Sara shrugs off her 'designated survivor' remark
(UPDATES) VICE President Sara Duterte believes that her «designated survivor» statement does not need further explanation, as she firmly stood on her refusal to attend the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Duterte said in an earlier interview that she will not attend the SONA on Monday, and instead would relegate herself as the country's «designated survivor.»
Her statement has drawn flak from a number of lawmakers, calling her «insensitive» and «tasteless.»
But Duterte did not back down on her comments, telling reporters in a chance interview on Wednesday that many people «missed the point» of her remark.
«This is the first time I saw that they are looking for the Vice President's attendance in all functions. That is not a joke, and that is not a bomb threat,» Duterte said in Bisaya.
She added that she sees no need to explain if some people did not understand it in the outset.
Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, however, said that Duterte's dismissive attitude is «unbecoming» of her position and «reflects a dangerous disregard for the gravity of her words.»
Advertisement«As a high-ranking government official, she is rightfully expected to be present and actively participating in matters of national importance. Her flippant response to legitimate criticism only serves to further erode public trust in her office,» Brosas said.
«We call on VP Duterte to take responsibility for her words and provide a clear, unequivocal explanation to the Filipino people,» Brosas said.
Meanwhile, Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua has filed the Presidential Succession Act of 2024, which would implement the constitutional mandate in enacting an enabling law on presidential succession in case those designated in Article VII, Sections 7 and 8 of the 1987 Constitution are unable to serve in acting capacity.
«This bill, therefore, does not amend the Constitution. This bill implements the constitutional mandate to enact an enabling law on Presidential Succession in case those who are in the line of succession designated in the Constitution are unable to serve in acting capacity,» Chua said.
