Vice President Sara Duterte on Nation’s Dire State
SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Vice President Sara Duterte described the current state of the nation as “dire” and “sad,” expressing her deep frustration with the country’s progress under the Marcos administration. Duterte’s remarks came amid her decision to skip President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s upcoming state of the nation address (SONA) on July 28.
She emphasized the severity of the situation, saying the state of the nation is “dire” and that it saddens and frustrates her personally. Despite this, Duterte maintains hope for the Philippines’ future, as long as Filipinos continue to believe the country can rise to become a “superpower.”
Hope Amidst Challenges
“As long as there is life and hope, as long as there are Filipinos who believe that we can be a superpower, it can happen,” Duterte said in a mix of Filipino and English during a media interview. This belief fuels her recent travels abroad, where she has found Filipinos who, in her words, “are the only ones who haven’t lost hope and still dream for a better Philippines.”
Skipping Marcos’ SONA for a Second Time
This year marks the second consecutive time Duterte has chosen not to attend Marcos’ SONA. In 2024, she dubbed herself as a “designated survivor,” a government official prepared to assume the presidency if a catastrophe occurs. Her absence this year is also driven by her view that the president’s speech will lack substantial content. Instead, she prefers to spend the day with Filipinos rather than attending the event.
Looking Ahead for the Philippines
Duterte’s remarks reflect a mix of concern and cautious optimism. While disappointed by the current administration’s performance, she urges Filipinos to keep faith in the nation’s potential. Her travels overseas symbolize a search for renewed hope and inspiration among Filipino communities abroad.
Local leaders and sources have noted her consistent stance as a call for more significant progress and meaningful change in the country’s governance.
For more news and updates on the state of the nation, visit Filipinokami.com.