Courtesy: Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook
Vice President Sara Duterte will skip the third State of the Nation Address of President Marcos on July 22, and “appointed” herself the “designated survivor.”
“No, I will not attend the Sona,” Duterte said in an interview Thursday in Davao City.
“I am appointing myself as the designated survivor,” she added.
Lawmakers from both administration and opposition parties criticized the Vice President’s reference to the “designated survivor” — a US government official chosen to stay at a secure location during events where top leaders are gathered as a continuity measure in case a catastrophic event kills or incapacitates the president.
Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel likened her comment to a “bomb joke,” while Manila Rep. Joel Chua warned the security of the President is never a laughing matter.
“Who appointed you? This is delulu behavior,” Manuel said.
“She is no alternative or back-up leader when the only legacy she has proven to Filipinos is her confidential funds racket and the thousands of victims of her family’s fake war on drugs,” he added.
Chua added: “Given current political tensions, such a joke is not in good taste because the security of the President of the Philippines is not a joking or laughing matter. Great care is taken to ensure the security of the President, especially during the SONA.”
For his part, Speaker Martin Romualdez said he respects the decision of Duterte, even as he lamented that Filipinos deserve to see their leaders united.
“Every public official has the prerogative to decide on their attendance at significant events. However, the State of the Nation Address is a crucial moment for unity and collaboration among our nation’s leaders,” Romualdez said.
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