WHAT was initially described as Vice President Sara Duterte’s trivial remark, has become a headline grabber as more gets to share supposed analysis and translation of what looks more like an empty brag meant to keep her name afloat.
VP Sara on Wednesday said her self-appointment as the “designated survivor” during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) was neither a joke nor a bomb threat.
“It is my first time to see a Vice President being checked for attendance in everything,” she said in vernacular during the Brigada Eskwela National Kickoff.
“It is not a joke. It is not a bomb threat. Many missed the point. For me, if you don’t understand the first time, I don’t think you deserve an explanation,” added Duterte after categorically shutting down hopes of her attending this year’s SONA via “self appointment as designated survivor”.
Duterte’s remark triggered an influx of political press releases from all directions.
According to Senate President Francis Escudero, there isn’t much behind Sara’s designated survivor remark – “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. Personally, I won’t give any special or deeper meaning to it.”
For former Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Sara’s speech is basically what vice presidents are – the legal successor of the President in case of a tragedy.
“Nanunukso lang yan, rhetorical ang statement. After all hindi siya kailangang i-appoint kasi nandyan na siya, number 1 sa listahan ng succession,” Lacson said.
Interestingly, members of the administration-controlled House of Representatives finds VP Sara’s remarks worth a congressional investigation in aid of legislation.
