MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Vice President (OVP) firmly rejects the notion that the vice president is merely a “spare tire” to the chief executive. This statement came after Vice President Sara Duterte was labeled as such in recent discussions.
OVP spokesperson Ruth Castelo clarified that the four-word keyphrase “spare tire to President” unfairly diminishes the critical role the vice president plays. “All of us here think that the vice president — not necessarily VP Sara Duterte — all VPs are looked at as spare tires. But if you really think about it, the Vice President should be as prepared as the President,” she said.
Vice President’s Vital Role Beyond the Title
Castelo highlighted that the vice president is the constitutional successor to the presidency. “Should anything happen to him, who assumes the responsibility? It’s the Vice President,” she emphasized. This responsibility requires the VP to be fully ready to lead the nation at any time.
Moreover, the OVP spokesperson pointed out that Duterte’s mandate aligns with that of the president, as outlined in the 1987 Constitution. This constitutional foundation establishes the vice president not as a secondary figure but as a key leader with duties that mirror the president’s.
Funding and Inclusion Essential for National Stability
Withholding support or budget from the Office of the Vice President, Castelo argued, does a disservice to the entire country. “Keeping her out of the loop or not being able to provide funds for her projects and programs is a great disservice to the country because if anything happens, the VP is forced to assume the position of the President,” she explained.
The services and programs currently managed by the VP’s office serve a dual purpose: they benefit the public and prepare the vice president for potential future leadership. “…and the services now being delivered by the VP through her office is a way of preparing herself just in case anything happens from now until 2028,” Castelo added.
Local sources noted that recognizing the vice president’s active role strengthens governance and ensures a smoother transition if needed. The OVP continues to stress the importance of cooperation and adequate support for the vice president’s office.
For more news and updates on government leadership, visit Filipinokami.com.
