Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez has joined a growing number of his colleagues in the House of Representatives in expressing concerns over Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent “designated survivor” remark.
“Offhand, the VP’s statements are not what we expected from someone holding the second highest office in the land,” Suarez commented.
Duterte earlier said she would not attend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), which did not sit well with young stalwarts of the House of Representatives.
Lawmakers said her remarks about being the ‘designated survivor’ are both inappropriate and “reckless.”
Her statement shows a lack of maturity that he should have as a high government official,” Suarez added.
Suarez also expressed his apprehension about the potential implications of VP Duterte’s statement. “It raises a critical question: What are the implications of such a statement for the safety and unity of our government leaders?” the lawmaker pondered.
“Regardless of her intentions, her remark is a reminder of the importance of ensuring the security and safety of the President and other officials in the line of succession,” he emphasized. “Such rhetoric hints at scenarios that are alarming and baseless, sowing unnecessary fear among the public.”
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.
