Vice President Sara Duterte Stresses National Issues Over Family Reconciliation
Vice President Sara Duterte emphasized that the nation’s challenges take precedence over personal matters, declining to comment on President Marcos’ recent statement about wanting to reconcile with her family. She made this clear during a gathering outside the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility in The Hague on May 30, where she was visiting former President Rodrigo Duterte alongside her mother.
“Unang-una, hindi muna siguro ako magsalita about reconciliation dahil hindi naman mahalaga siguro ang mga personal na problema ng mga tao. Ang mas mahalaga is iyong taumbayan at iyong bayan natin,” she said, highlighting that the welfare of the people and the country is far more important than private disputes.
Context of the Family Rift and ICC Detention
Her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested on March 11 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 and has been detained in The Hague since March 12. He faces charges of crimes against humanity related to murder. This arrest marked a significant strain in the once-strong alliance between the Duterte and Marcos families.
Despite this, President Marcos expressed in a prior video blog that he is open to reconciliation as he prefers to avoid conflict. However, when Duterte supporters urged the President to bring the former leader back to the Philippines, Malacañang clarified that reconciliation should not come with preconditions.
Vice President Duterte Welcomes Public Voices, Comments on Potential Spokesperson
The Vice President was also asked about the possibility of former Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Rowena Guanzon becoming her spokesperson after Guanzon hinted at wanting to represent her publicly.
“Hindi namin napag-usapan sa Office of the Vice President ang spokesperson, pero saludo kami sa talino at tapang ni Atty. Rowena Guanzon,” she stated respectfully. “So, kung gusto niya magsalita, go lang ng go. Makikinig tayong lahat sa kanya.”
Guanzon, who once aligned with former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor-elect Leni Robredo, previously supported Robredo’s 2022 presidential campaign and participated in related rallies.
Looking Ahead: Focus on the Filipino People
Vice President Duterte’s remarks underscore her commitment to focusing on the Filipino people’s welfare rather than personal family issues or political disagreements. This approach signals a prioritization of national unity and progress amid ongoing political complexities.
For more news and updates on Vice President Sara Duterte, visit Filipinokami.com.