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VP Sara Duterte Picks Fight Against House Speaker Romualdez Yet Again
Photo credit: Inday Sara Duterte
Despite the House Speaker’s silence on the Vice President’s recent tirades, Sara Duterte has once again picked a fight against Congressman Martin Romualdez
The Vice President, who is also the concurrent Secretary of the Department of Education, clarified her decision to run for Vice President and dismissed claims of Speaker Martin Romualdez's involvement. She emphasized that Speaker Romualdez had no influence on her decision and that attributing her bid for Vice Presidency to him is inaccurate and disrespectful to the numerous groups and individuals who convinced her to reconsider her earlier decision to stay away from national politics.
Vice President Duterte acknowledged Senator Imee Marcos as the person who ultimately persuaded her to run as Vice President. However, she also stated that her decision was contingent on President Bongbong Marcos accepting the conditions she had set before running for the position. She made it clear that Speaker Romualdez played no role in this process.
Responding to comments made by Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., Vice President Duterte criticized his lack of accurate information or his willingness to believe falsehoods. She labeled his statement as ill-informed and erroneous.
Vice President Duterte then shifted her focus to the political landscape and the need for a clear understanding of the distinction between attacks and humor in politics. She emphasized that political bickering should not be equated with governance and that individuals who fail to grasp this concept have no place in politics.
While finding amusement in how recent political developments have provided an opportunity for sycophants, Vice President Duterte reiterated her unwavering support for the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. She emphasized that his administration is stable, strong, and enjoys the backing of the majority of the Filipino people.
Dignified Response
The reaction by VP Sara came after Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. praised Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez for his dignified response to the recent criticism from Vice President Sara Duterte. In a press release issued on June 7, 2023, Barzaga commended Romualdez for maintaining his focus on his responsibilities as the leader of the House of Representatives despite being targeted by the Vice President's attacks, noting that he had taken the "moral high road."
Barzaga defended the Speaker, emphasizing that Romualdez refrained from making derogatory remarks about the Vice President, even though she had made insinuations implicating him in an alleged ousting attempt. Barzaga applauded Romualdez's strength of character and restraint, as he continued to carry out his duties as the House's leader amidst the political controversy.
According to Barzaga, Romualdez's leadership has garnered support from various political parties, enabling the House of Representatives to pass priority bills proposed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). Among the approved bills is the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).
Barzaga emphasized that political discord is not beneficial for the country, particularly since Marcos Jr. and Duterte campaigned and triumphed on a platform of unity. Duterte has already resigned from the ruling Lakas-CMD party, of which Romualdez is the President.
The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Natural Resources and formerly served as the president of the National Unity Party (NUP), highlighted Romualdez's instrumental role in supporting Duterte's vice presidential candidacy. Romualdez was among those who convinced her to run under the UniTeam ticket, which was led by his cousin, now the President.
Barzaga expressed his disappointment at the current rift between the Speaker and the Vice President and expressed hope for a resolution in the near future. He recalled the Speaker's dedication to Duterte's campaign, believing that she would make a significant difference as vice president.
The Vice President had drawn attention recently when she deliberately omitted Romualdez's middle name during a speech at the Office of the Vice President's thanksgiving event. The Speaker's aunt is former first lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, mother of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
During the height of rumors regarding an alleged coup against Romualdez, Duterte shared a cryptic message on her social media accounts. While not directly naming anyone, she warned against being "tambaloslos," a mythical creature from Visayan, Bicolano, and Mindanao folklore known for its large mouth and penis.
The Vice President, who is also the concurrent Secretary of the Department of Education, clarified her decision to run for Vice President and dismissed claims of Speaker Martin Romualdez's involvement. She emphasized that Speaker Romualdez had no influence on her decision and that attributing her bid for Vice Presidency to him is inaccurate and disrespectful to the numerous groups and individuals who convinced her to reconsider her earlier decision to stay away from national politics.
Vice President Duterte acknowledged Senator Imee Marcos as the person who ultimately persuaded her to run as Vice President. However, she also stated that her decision was contingent on President Bongbong Marcos accepting the conditions she had set before running for the position. She made it clear that Speaker Romualdez played no role in this process.
Responding to comments made by Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., Vice President Duterte criticized his lack of accurate information or his willingness to believe falsehoods. She labeled his statement as ill-informed and erroneous.
Vice President Duterte then shifted her focus to the political landscape and the need for a clear understanding of the distinction between attacks and humor in politics. She emphasized that political bickering should not be equated with governance and that individuals who fail to grasp this concept have no place in politics.
While finding amusement in how recent political developments have provided an opportunity for sycophants, Vice President Duterte reiterated her unwavering support for the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. She emphasized that his administration is stable, strong, and enjoys the backing of the majority of the Filipino people.
Dignified Response
The reaction by VP Sara came after Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. praised Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez for his dignified response to the recent criticism from Vice President Sara Duterte. In a press release issued on June 7, 2023, Barzaga commended Romualdez for maintaining his focus on his responsibilities as the leader of the House of Representatives despite being targeted by the Vice President's attacks, noting that he had taken the "moral high road."
Barzaga defended the Speaker, emphasizing that Romualdez refrained from making derogatory remarks about the Vice President, even though she had made insinuations implicating him in an alleged ousting attempt. Barzaga applauded Romualdez's strength of character and restraint, as he continued to carry out his duties as the House's leader amidst the political controversy.
According to Barzaga, Romualdez's leadership has garnered support from various political parties, enabling the House of Representatives to pass priority bills proposed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). Among the approved bills is the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).
Barzaga emphasized that political discord is not beneficial for the country, particularly since Marcos Jr. and Duterte campaigned and triumphed on a platform of unity. Duterte has already resigned from the ruling Lakas-CMD party, of which Romualdez is the President.
The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Natural Resources and formerly served as the president of the National Unity Party (NUP), highlighted Romualdez's instrumental role in supporting Duterte's vice presidential candidacy. Romualdez was among those who convinced her to run under the UniTeam ticket, which was led by his cousin, now the President.
Barzaga expressed his disappointment at the current rift between the Speaker and the Vice President and expressed hope for a resolution in the near future. He recalled the Speaker's dedication to Duterte's campaign, believing that she would make a significant difference as vice president.
The Vice President had drawn attention recently when she deliberately omitted Romualdez's middle name during a speech at the Office of the Vice President's thanksgiving event. The Speaker's aunt is former first lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, mother of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
During the height of rumors regarding an alleged coup against Romualdez, Duterte shared a cryptic message on her social media accounts. While not directly naming anyone, she warned against being "tambaloslos," a mythical creature from Visayan, Bicolano, and Mindanao folklore known for its large mouth and penis.
Jun 7, 2023
