VP: ‘Designated survivor’ neither a joke nor bomb threat

MANILA, Philippines — After her remarks about skipping President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (SONA) were construed as a threat by some quarters, Vice President Sara Duterte clarified yesterday that she was neither joking nor making a bomb threat when she said she was appointing herself the “designated survivor.”

“It wasn’t a joke. It wasn’t a bomb threat. For me, if you don’t understand the first time, I don’t think you deserve an explanation,” Duterte told reporters in a mix of Visayan and English during the Brigada Eskwela National Kickoff.

The remarks were made last week when Duterte said she would skip President Marcos’ SONA, a first since the pair ascended to power after their team-up scored a landslide victory in 2022.

Duterte also noted that there is no requirement for the Vice President to attend the SONA.

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said it was Duterte who was missing the point of her remark.

“Her dismissive attitude toward public concern over her remarks is unbecoming of her position and reflects a dangerous disregard for the gravity of her words,” Brosas said.

She added that Duterte’s “flippant response to legitimate criticism further erodes the public trust in her office.”

Brosas then called on Duterte “to be responsible with her words and actions as her position demands a higher standard of conduct and communication.”

Meanwhile, the Senate minority would still attend the SONA despite the Vice President’s remark.

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III said that he and Minority Leader Sen. Risa Hontiveros are not afraid of Duterte’s quip as her remark only happened in the movies.

On the other hand, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa is not sure if he can attend Marcos’ third SONA as he said he is currently suffering from left knee pain.

He is hopeful that President Marcos will mention the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps for college students in light of the current situation in the West Philippine Sea. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Delon Porcalla