A NUMBER of lawmakers believe that Vice President Sara Duterte's "designated survivor" joke was in poor taste.
Duterte jested that she was assigning herself "designated survivor," when she announced that she was not attending the third State of the Nation (SONA) address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 22.
A designated survivor is an official chosen to take over the presidency in case all persons in the presidential line of succession die in a catastrophic or mass-casualty event. The practice was not recognized in the Philippines.
"There's no such thing as 'designated survivor' in the Philippines! Is she spending too much time watching Netflix? She better read our constitution. It's as clear as sunlight. She should be more circumspect and responsible in her utterances, owing to her title and the high office that she represents," Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said.
Gonzales said that Duterte's remarks were "unnecessary and uncalled for."
"She's alarming the people. The SONA is a yearly official and formal event that needs respect, most especially from elected officials like her," he added.
"While obviously intended as a joke, it is quite inappropriate. The SONA is a serious event where we address the nation's most pressing issues, and such comments taken out of context undermine its significance and fuel speculation," 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez said.
"When she makes such remarks, it prompts us to ask: What message is she trying to convey? Is she attempting to influence public opinion, divert attention from critical issues, or create controversy? As a high-ranking official, her words should foster unity and provide clear, constructive direction for the nation," said Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario.
"The Vice President should be setting an example of leadership and responsibility, not creating unnecessary panic," Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said.
Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo urged Duterte to be more prudent in her speech.
"Does she have a premonition of the things to come? She should refrain from watching too much Netflix. Her joke could have been better handled given that all high-ranking officials of the land would be there," Romualdo said.
Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said Duterte should state the real reason why she is not attending the State of the Nation Address.
"Putting her joke aside, the vice president can physically attend any function she chooses. In the case of the SONA, she does not really want to. But why? That's the question the vice president needs to answer," Acidre said.
ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said Duterte wants to become a "president and a dictator" by eliminating Marcos and his allies.
"If Arturo Lascanas, a former Davao Death Squad [member] is to be believed, the squad had undertaken many killings and other criminal actions, either at the orders of Duterte or his associates. Duterte served as mayor of Davao for 10 years starting in 1988, then again from 2001 to 2010, and from 2013 to 2016.... If this is true, then VP Duterte's statement has a precedent," Castro said.
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