By Junex Doronio

MANILA — On how the liquidated P112 million 2023 confidential fund during the term of Vice President Sara Duterte as Department of Education Secretary was used has baffled the lawmakers during the House Appropriations Committee deliberations on the DepEd’s proposed P793 billion budget for 2025.

DepEd Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn Sevilla on Monday (2 September 2024) told the House panel that the department was unaware of how the fund was utilized.

“We would like to clarify DepEd Finance’s role in the release, utilization, and reporting of the confidential fund,” Sevilla told the House panel.

“To answer po ‘yung question kung alam ba namin’ yung details nung pinagamitan, we do not know because we’re not part of the process po ng utilization and liquidation,” she pointed out.

It can be recalled that last week, Kabataan party-list lawmaker Raoul Manuel asked VP Sara to explain the disbursement of confidential funds during her term as Education Secretary.

However, VP Sara repeatedly refused to answer questions from the lawmakers, especially those involving confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Education Department.

She contended that these were not related to her office’s proposed P2 billion budget for 2025.

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By Junex Doronio

MANILA — After Vice President Sara Duterte refused to answer the questions of the House Committee on Appropriations and “dictated” that a different lawmaker should preside on the panel, Rep. France Castro of the ACT Teachers partylist has expressed her intent to slash by half the proposed P2.037-billion budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for 2025.

The national democrat legislator pointed out that there are too many programs that are not under the Vice-President’s mandate.

“Hindi trabaho ng VP ang pagpapalimbag ng libro niya. ‘Yung ginagastos niya sa ayuda, andyan DSWD, DOH, DTI Tesda sa livelihood. Tatanggalin ko ‘yun kasi wala naman sa mandate niya,” Castro noted.

On Wednesday (28 August 2024), the ACT Teachers party-list lawmaker criticized VP Sara’s actions during a congressional budget hearing in which she asked that a different lawmaker preside over the hearing.

“Nakita natin ‘yung tunay na ugali ng ating VP. Feeling niya underdog siya,” Castro said in an interview on TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

She added that she was also surprised when VP Sara asked that the chairperson of the Finance Committee preside over the hearing instead of House Committee on Appropriations Senior Vice Chairperson Rep. Stella Quimbo.

“Ngayon lang kami nakakita na isang resource person na magdidikta sa committee,” Castro quipped.

During Tuesday’s (27 August 2024) hearing, VP Sara was visibly irked after Castro commented on the OVP’s use of P125 million in just 11 days.

(ia/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Vice President Sara Duterte remained firm in her refusal to address questions from Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list lawmaker France Castro regarding the disbursement of P73 million in confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in 2022.

“Nakalagay doon sa rules nyo, di ba, discussions should be germane to the topic. …This is a hearing on the 2025 budget; where is the relevance of the confidential funds here?” Duterte said.

The Commission on Audit (COA) submitted documents to the House appropriations panel indicating that a notice of disallowance had been issued for the P73 million in confidential funds disbursed by the OVP, prompting Castro to inquire about the allocation of these funds.

“I have here a report about the notice of disallowance. According to the COA, P73 million out of P125 million in confidential funds used by the OVP in 2022 has been disallowed, which amounts to 58.63% of the total. Can you confirm this, Vice President?” Castro asked.

The lawmakers were deliberating the proposed P2 billion budget for the OVP in 2025.

VP Sara, however, repeatedly declined to respond to Castro’s inquiries, dismissing them as snide comments.

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MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s trust and performance ratings saw an improvement in the second quarter of 2024, while Vice President Sara Z. Duterte experienced a decline, according to the latest survey from the OCTA Research Group.

OCTA’s “Tugon ng Masa” survey, conducted from June 30 to July 5, revealed that President Marcos’ trust rating increased to 71 percent, up from 69 percent in the first quarter of 2024. In contrast, Vice President Duterte’s trust rating dropped by 3 percentage points, landing at 65 percent from the previous 68 percent.

“This marks the first time President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has registered a higher trust and performance rating than Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio in the last three years of the TNM surveys,” OCTA stated.

The survey highlighted that Vice President Duterte’s trust and performance ratings have been trending downward for two consecutive quarters in 2024.

President Marcos’ trust score saw a significant 8-percentage-point increase in Mindanao, Duterte’s home region, rising from 48 percent to 56 percent. His highest trust rating was recorded in Balance Luzon at 80 percent, followed by Metro Manila at 70 percent, and the Visayas at 69 percent.

Trust ratings for Marcos also saw an increase of 22 percentage points among adult Filipinos in Class ABC (74 percent), followed by Classes D (71 percent) and E (66 percent).

Approval of Marcos’ performance similarly rose by 3 percentage points, reaching 68 percent, up from 65 percent in the first quarter. His performance rating was highest in Balance Luzon at 75 percent, with an 8-percentage-point improvement in Mindanao (56 percent). Metro Manila and the Visayas followed with ratings of 68 percent and 65 percent, respectively.

Marcos’ performance approval also increased by 11 percentage points among Class ABC respondents (71 percent), with Classes D (68 percent) and E (64 percent) showing similar improvements.

Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte maintained her highest trust score in Mindanao, which increased by 9 percentage points to 95 percent. However, her ratings declined in Balance Luzon by 4 percentage points (from 48 percent to 52 percent) and in the Visayas by 3 percentage points (from 63 percent to 66 percent). In Metro Manila, her trust score stood at 60 percent.

Despite these declines, Duterte still earned her highest trust score from Class E respondents, although it fell by 4 percentage points, from 68 percent to 64 percent. This was followed by Classes D (65 percent) and ABC (64 percent).

Duterte’s performance ratings dropped across all regions, with the most significant declines in Metro Manila (a 6-percentage-point decrease, from 56 percent to 50 percent) and the Visayas (a 4-percentage-point decrease, from 64 percent to 60 percent). Her performance rating remained highest in Mindanao at 92 percent, while Balance Luzon recorded her lowest at 48 percent.

Among socioeconomic classes, Duterte’s performance rating decreased by 6 percentage points in Class E (from 71 percent to 65 percent) and by 3 percentage points in Class D (from 60 percent to 57 percent). Her lowest performance rating was among Class ABC, at 56 percent.

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By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio condemned the ‘violent’ search for Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy in its compound in Davao City.

Duterte-Carpio clarified in her statement on Sunday (25 August 2024) that she does not oppose the issuance of warrant of arrest, however, it should not be done violently.

“Hindi ko tinututulan ang implementasyon ng anumang warrant of arrest na naaayon sa batas. Ngunit kailanman ay hindi katanggap-tanggap ang paggamit ng dahas laban sa mga inosenteng mamamayan at mga deboto ng Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC),” the Vice President said in a statement.

“I vehemently condemn the gross abuse of police power in the takeover of the KOJC compound earlier today, which led to the harassment of religious worshipers, the abuse of minors, and the unnecessary loss of life.”

On Saturday morning, around 2,000 police officers went to KOJC’s compound to arrest Quiboloy, however, authorities failed to find him.

According to the authorities, a member of the religious group reportedly died due to cardiac arrest as the police tried to serve warrant against Quiboloy.

Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio asked for forgiveness to the KOJC members for asking them to vote for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“Kaya nais ko ring humingi ng kapatawaran sa lahat ng miyembro, deboto at bumubuo ng Kingdom of Jesus Christ, sa paghikayat at pakiusap ko sa inyong iboto si Bongbong Marcos Jr. noong 2022. Nawa’y mapatawad ninyo ako.”

(ia/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Visibly disappointed, the so-called “Young Guns” of the House of Representatives on Monday (12 Aug 2024) criticized the “deafening silence” of Vice President Sara Duterte on the heels of the latest harassment by China in the West Philippine Sea.

This was in contrast to the quick action by Malacañang on Sunday (11 August 2024) when it said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. “strongly condemns” the air incident and stands by the brave men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), especially the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

In a press conference, Rep. Jil Bongalon (Ako Bicol Partylist) could not hide his disappointment with VP Sara for “not issuing a statement against China” since she assumed office in July 2022.

House Assistant Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V echoed Bongalon’s sentiment and expressed bewilderment over VP Sara’s “deafening silence” on China’s aggressions in the West Philippine Sea.

Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur, 1st District) commented that how the public will interpret Duterte’s refusal to condemn China over its aggression at sea will “define the kind of leader she is.”

“I’m trying to question why, with all of these things happening, especially with the recent flare of the Chinese government in the West Philippine Sea, she remains silent about it,” Adiong said.

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MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers in the House of Representatives criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for her recent public attacks on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. They urged her to collaborate rather than cast blame.

Duterte’s criticisms, which centered on governance failures and budget concerns within the Department of Education, were cited as reasons for her resignation from the Cabinet.

Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin emphasized that the Department of Education has consistently received the largest budget allocation. She attributed any issues to poor leadership and implementation during Duterte’s tenure as Education Secretary.

“It’s easy to claim a lack of support after stepping down, but true leadership is about making a difference when it matters,” Garin said.

Majority Leader and Taguig 2nd District Rep. Amparo Maria “Pammy” Zamora also rebuked Duterte for her comments on flood control projects and her reduced security detail, calling them divisive and unproductive.

Zamora highlighted that Duterte still retains almost 390 security personnel despite her claims.

Lawmakers are urging Duterte to focus on constructive collaboration with the administration instead of fueling division.

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By Junex Doronio

MANILA – Four years ahead of the presidential elections, the much-touted frontrunner Vice President Sara Duterte has seen her satisfaction rating drop to +44 as of June 2024, while Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has surged ahead with a +47 satisfaction rating.

This was revealed in the latest non-commissioned survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) from June 23 to July 1, 2024.

The survey showed VP Sara with a +44 net satisfaction rating (65% satisfied, 21% dissatisfied), marking a 19-point decline from her +63 rating in March 2024.

Meanwhile, Escudero, who was elected Senate President on May 20 and is considered a potential presidential candidate, received a +47 satisfaction rating.

Another potential “presidentiable,” Speaker Martin Romualdez, garnered only +29.

According to the SWS terminology for net satisfaction ratings: +70 and above is classified as “excellent”; +50 to +69, “very good”; +30 to +49, “good”; +10 to +29, “moderate”; +9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, “bad”; -50 to -69, “very bad”; and -70 and below, “execrable.”

The SWS Second Quarter 2024 survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults (18 years and older) nationwide: 600 in Balance Luzon (Luzon outside Metro Manila), and 300 each in Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

(ia/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — A political analyst has mocked Vice President Sara Duterte for airing criticisms against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration while vacationing in Germany with her family.

In a reference to the classic Sharon Cuneta movie, the analyst stopped just short of calling the Vice President a “second-rate, trying-hard copycat.”

In his vlog, Armand Dean Nocum, a former Philippine Daily Inquirer reporter-turned-Public Relations (PR) operator who now goes by “Vlogcaster Armand Dean” or VAD, pointed out that VP Sara seems to be imitating the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., who also criticized the Marcos administration after being released from detention and undergoing heart bypass surgery in the United States during the early 1980s.

“For the first time, Vice President Sara Duterte, speaking or writing from Germany with love… has started her series of attacks against President Bongbong Marcos… Si Sara na mismo bumabanat kay Marcos,” VAD stated in his vlog on YouTube.

Nocum noted that VP Sara criticized PBBM on several issues, such as flood control and the PhilHealth controversy, but added that these criticisms have backfired on the previous Duterte administration.

“Nakakatuwa lang na yung mga isyu na pinukol niya kay Marcos ay bumalik ulit sa kanya at sa tatay niya at sa administrasyon nila,” VAD quipped.

Nocum, who previously admitted to providing PR services to former President Rodrigo Duterte, also speculated that VP Sara could be contemplating applying for political asylum in Germany or another European country.

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By Junex Doronio

MANILA — With only nine months before the 2025 midterm elections, which will serve as a sort of referendum for the current administration, Marcos loyalists have increased in the second quarter of the year while the so-called Diehard Duterte Supporters (DDS) have decreased.

This was revealed on Tuesday (06 Aug 2024) by OCTA Research based on its latest survey.

OCTA’s Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey showed that pro-Marcos Filipinos increased to 36% in June 2024 from 31% in March, while pro-Duterte Filipinos decreased from 20% in March to 16% in June.

“On the other hand, 31% of adult Filipinos consider themselves independent or individuals who do not identify themselves as pro-Marcos, pro-Duterte, or the opposition,” OCTA noted.

“While still within the margin of error, a two percent increase was observed from the previous TNM survey conducted in the first quarter of 2024,” the survey form added.

Persons who identify themselves as supporters of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his administration were highest in the National Capital Region (NCR) with 43% and lowest in Mindanao with 25%.

Regions where at least 50% of adult Filipinos support Marcos include the Cordillera Administrative Region (83%), Ilocos Region (60%), Cagayan Valley (79%), MIMAROPA (69%), and Eastern Visayas (75%), according to OCTA’s TNM survey.

Notably, support for the Dutertes, who hail from Davao City, was highest in Mindanao at 50% and lowest in Balance Luzon at 5%. Regions with at least 50% pro-Duterte support include the Davao Region (70%), SOCCSKSARGEN (52%), and Caraga (67%).

(ia/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — As super typhoon Carina was battering Metro Manila and some parts of the country, Vice President Sara Duterte left on “personal trip with her family overseas”, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) confirmed on Thursday (25 July 2024), a day after reports surfaced that she left for Germany.

Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that VP Sara might be getting nervous of the possibility that she will be arrested by the Interpol in connection with the bloody drug war that she was implicated in by a former member of Davao Death Squad (DDS) who turned whistleblower.

In his vlog, Public Relations (PR) expert Armand Dean Nocum said that “there’s a moral issue” with the sudden departure of the Vice President when the country was being hammered by supertyphoon Carina.

“She should have moved their departure date,” Nocum — who goes by his YouTube monicker VAD (Vlogcaster Armand Dean) — quipped.

Self-confessed ex-DDS hitman Arturo “Arthur” Lascañas accused the Vice President  of orchestrating “Oplan Tokhang” in Davao City during her stint as mayor in 2012.

It can also be noted that the Vice President’s Germany trip with her family came on the heels of a  “fake video” showing Marcos Jr. allegedly using illegal drugs.

“The Vice President is on a personal trip with her family overseas. Her departure received the necessary approvals, as evidenced by the travel authority issued by the Office of the President dated 09 July 2024,” Duterte’s office said, without disclosing her destination.

The Office of the Vice President (OVP), however, admitted that the timing of the trip was “unfortunate” but assured that Duterte has “institutionalized” their Disaster Operations Center that can function without her.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has confirmed that Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio is currently on a personal trip overseas with her family.

This statement was issued in response to reports that Duterte-Carpio traveled to Germany amid Typhoon Carina.

“The Vice President is on a personal trip with her family overseas. Her departure received the necessary approvals, as evidenced by the travel authority issued by the Office of the President dated 09 July 2024,” the statement read.

The OVP acknowledged that the timing of the trip coinciding with Typhoon Carina was “unfortunate.”

“Nonetheless, the Disaster Operations Center of the OVP, institutionalized by the Vice President, is always ready to assist families affected by calamities,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos defended Duterte-Carpio, stating that the trip had been planned in advance.

“Matagal nang plano ‘yun at hindi naman niya alam na may bagyo, pambihira naman,” she said.

Parts of Metro Manila have been flooded due to continuous heavy rains.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Office of the Vice President confirmed on Wednesday (July 24, 2024) that the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued an order relieving all 75 PNP Police and Security Group personnel previously assigned to Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Despite this, Vice President Duterte-Carpio assured the public that the order would “not affect my work in the Office of the Vice President.”

“Our work will continue to deliver services to our fellow citizens, especially in remote or underserved communities in our country,” the statement read.

“I do hope, however, that with this latest directive from the Chief PNP, we hear fewer cries from the people regarding the proliferation of drugs in the country, and that even fewer shall fall victim to various criminal activities,” it added.

The PNP has yet to state the matter.

(El Amigo/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Short of saying that it was just a political stunt, University of Santo Tomas (UST) professor Froilan Calilung on Saturday (13 July 2024) said Vice President Sara Duterte’s remark that she has appointed herself as the government’s “designated survivor” when she decided to skip President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) should not be taken seriously.

“I don’t think the vice president… will wish anything wrong to happen to our public officials,” Calilung said when asked during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.

He added: “I think hindi ito ‘yung konteksto at uri ng pagkatao na mayroon tayo bilang mga Pilipino.”

On Thursday (11 July 2024), VP Sara said in an interview that she would not attend the SONA, adding that “I am appointing myself as the designated survivor.”

While VP Sara did not expound on her statement, a hit television series titled, “Designated Survivor”, which has US and South Korean versions, took off from a scene of the respective country’s President delivering his state address when bombs suddenly detonated and destroyed the entire venue killing many attendees, that included the president and public officials in the line of succession.

Calilung noted that while VP Sara’s presence  is not necessary during the SONA, “it creates a great deal of political drama.”

“I think it will try to steal the [spotlight] away from the policies, the programs, and the good things that the government tried to accomplish because it might, sort of, be overshadowed by the vice president not attending the event,” the UST political science professor said.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio announced she will not attend the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday (22 July 2024).

“No, I will not attend the SONA. I am appointing myself as the designated survivor,” Duterte-Carpio said when asked about her attendance.

In the United States, a designated survivor, or designated successor, is a person in the presidential line of succession who is kept distant from others while they are gathered together.

Earlier, House Secretary Reginald Velasco stated that former Vice Presidents Leni Robredo, Jejomar Binay, and Noli de Castro will also not attend the SONA.

Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Joseph Estrada have yet to confirm their attendance.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — She has crossed the Rubicon, so to speak.

But with a veiled threat.

For the first time, Vice President Sara Duterte will not attend the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of her 2022 UniTeam running mate President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

On Thursday (11 July 2024), VP Duterte, who resigned from her post as Secretary of Education last June 19, 2024, categorically announced that she will not attend PBBM’s third SONA.

“No, I will not be attending the SONA,” Duterte replied when asked by GMA Regional News TV.

“I’m appointing myself as a designated survivor,” she added.

Political observers said if that was a joke, it’s done in a bad taste, if not a veiled threat.

VP Sara’s resignation as Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary takes effect on July 19.

Political pundits said such development has confirmed the total collapse of the UniTeam with the decline of popularity of the Duterte political dynasty which is perceived to be pro-China.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, have remained silent on whether they will attend President Marcos’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, House Secretary General Reginald S. Velasco announced that former Vice Presidents Leni Robredo and Jejomar Binay have officially sent their regrets, stating they will not be able to attend the SONA.

Former Vice President Noli de Castro has indicated his inability to attend but has not yet done so officially, according to the House Secretary General.

“Everything is okay. We’re just finalizing the seating arrangement,” Velasco told reporters covering the House of Representatives.

He added that over 2,000 guests have confirmed their attendance, making this SONA the largest so far. However, there are only 1,814 seats in the plenary.

Regarding security, the Presidential Security Command (PSC) is closely coordinating with the House Sergeant-at-Arms.

Rallies will be prohibited near the Batasan Complex. “They are not allowed to block Commonwealth Avenue,” Velasco said.

He added that rallies can be held at the University of the Philippines in Diliman or at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Attendees will not be allowed to wear dresses with protest slogans. Velasco mentioned they will politely ask guests to change into proper attire, such as a barong or coat and tie.

While no threats have been received, the House Secretary-General emphasized that they “expect the worst but hope for the best.”

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio clarified on Saturday (June 29, 2024) that she did not suggest any candidates for the new Department of Education Secretary.

“I did not recommend a new secretary for the Department of Education because the position relies on the trust and confidence of the appointing authority, which is the President,” Duterte-Carpio stated.

“The President should rightfully choose someone he trusts,” she added.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed the need for additional time to decide on the next DepEd chief.

“It’s proving more challenging than expected because we must make the right choice. So, I am extending the decision-making process,” he explained.

Amid deliberations, some senators have endorsed Senator Sonny Angara as a strong candidate for the DepEd leadership.

“I was approached by individuals close to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. seeking my opinion on Vice President Sara’s replacement at DepEd. I recommended Senator Angara as a potential candidate, though I’m unsure if the President received this suggestion,” Senate President Chiz Escudero said Friday (28 June 2024).

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — As the country celebrates its 126th anniversary of Independence Day, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio said that it serves as a reminder for the Filipinos to unite.

“Ang araw na ito ay isang pag-alala at pagkilala sa ating mga bayani, sa lahat ng sakripisyo nila para sa ating kalayaan at kasarinlan,” Duterte-Carpio said.

“Ito ay isa ring paalala sa atin na ipagpatuloy natin ang pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa yung o sa isang matatag, mapayapa, at maunlad na bansang Pilipinas,” she added.

Meanwhile, in her message during the Independence Day celebration in Davao City, she honored the Philippine heroes who fought for the independence of the country.

“Sa araw na ito, binibigyang halaga at pagpupugay ang ating mga bayani na syang naging haligi upang makamit natin ang ating kasarinlan laban sa mga mananakop. Ang kanilang katapangan at pagkamakabayan ay hindi kailan man matutumbasan,” she said.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has defended Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio following new calls for her resignation from the Cabinet.

“I don’t see the reason behind that,” Marcos remarked when asked to respond to suggestions to remove Duterte-Carpio as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).

He stated his intention to meet with Vice President Duterte to discuss important matters.

When questioned about assuring the Vice President of retaining her post, the Chief Executive emphasized that he didn’t find it necessary.

“She doesn’t need my assurance. She knows that,” he affirmed.

Marcos further asserted that the Vice President would remain as Education Secretary.

“Any cabinet secretaries not fulfilling their duties will be replaced,” he said. “All other matters are not up for discussion. If one can no longer perform due to illness or incompetence, they will be replaced. But that’s not the case with Inday Sara,” he added.

(el Amigo/mnm)