Vice President Sara Duterte’s excuse for not attending President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) did not sit well with young stalwarts of the House of Representatives.
“The Vice President’s remarks about being the ‘designated survivor’ are both inappropriate and reckless,” House Deputy Majority Leader Inno Dy said.
“Such rhetoric hints at scenarios that are alarming and baseless, sowing unnecessary fear among the public.”
Dy said that as a high-ranking official, the VP Sara’s statements carry significant weight and can influence public perception and national stability.
On the other hand, Senate President Francis Escudero said Vice President Sara Duterte has no intention of attending the President’s SONA.
“I believe she does not want to attend SONA 2024…I guess she was simply making light of her excuse by quoting a Netflix series,” he said.
Escudero said he won’t give any special or deeper meaning to it.
But Rep. Rodge Gutierrez of 1 Rider party-list group, a lawyer, expressed disappointment in the Vice President’s attempt at humor, stating that such remarks are inappropriate for her position and could undermine the seriousness of national events.
“While obviously intended as a joke, it is quite inappropriate. The SONA is a serious event where we address the nation’s most pressing issues, and such comments taken out of context undermine its significance and fuel speculation,” Gutierrez said.
Rep. Chino MIguel Almario, vice chairman of the House Committee on Mindanao Affairs, cited the risks of the Vice President’s comments and stressed the need for leaders like her to choose their words carefully.
“When she makes such remarks, it prompts us to ask: What message is she trying to convey? Is she attempting to influence public opinion, divert attention from critical issues, or create controversy? As a high-ranking official, her words should foster unity and provide clear, constructive direction for the nation,” Almario said.
Assistant Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V pointed out the negative impact of the Vice President’s dramatic framing and emphasized that such remarks can undermine public confidence and unity.
“The Vice President’s absence from the SONA, framed in such a dramatic and fear-inducing manner, does a disservice to the spirit of public service and solidarity. It’s imperative that our leaders demonstrate resolve and composure, especially during national events,” Ortega said.
Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation, said that leaders must be mindful of their words and actions, particularly when discussing critical issues that impact the nation’s safety and stability.
“Jokes about national security and succession are no laughing matter. The Vice President should be setting an example of leadership and responsibility, not creating unnecessary panic,” Adiong said.
Meanwhile, Rep. Jil Bongalon, of the Ako Bicol party-list, urged leaders to focus on collective progress rather than theatrics.
“Our focus should be on the collective efforts to move the country forward, not on distracting theatrics. The Filipino people deserve better from their leaders,” Bongalon said.
Rep. Jay Khonghun, chairman of the House Committee on Bases Conversion, underscored the importance of unity at the SONA, noting that this annual event is a vital opportunity for all branches of government to come together.
“The SONA is a pivotal event where we discuss the nation’s future. It’s not the time for jokes or to shirk our duties. We need to be there, united, to address the pressing issues our country faces,” Khonghun said.
