FILE PHOTO: Sara Duterte-Carpio. Screengrab from Facebook / City of Davao
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio refused to answer why none of her family members attended her proclamation on Wednesday at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.
After the proclamation, Duterte-Carpio stopped before waiting members of the media to deliver her victory message, in which she dedicated her win to fallen victims of terrorism, abuse, bullying and criminality.
But when she was asked about the absence of her family members – husband Mans Carpio, father President Rodrigo Duterte, brothers Davao City Rep. Paolo and Davao City Mayor-elect Sebastian, mother Elizabeth Zimmerman and her children – during the ceremony, she remained silent and just said, “Thank you,” before walking away.
WATCH: Vice president-elect Sara Duterte refuses to answer question why none of her family members attended the proclamation. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/ogAPzagH0u
— Daphne Galvez (@daphnegalvez_) May 25, 2022
Traditionally, a newly elected presidents and vice president is accompanied by family members when they go up to the rostrum at the Batasang Pambansa Complex to receive the certificate of canvass and be proclaimed as electoral victor by the Senate President and Speaker of the House.
READ: VP-elect Sara Duterte dedicates ‘opportunity to serve’ to victims of terrorism, abuse, bullying
But when it was Duterte-Carpio’s turn at the rostrum, she went up alone.
Vice president-elect Sara Duterte is at the rostrum and receives the certificate of canvass from the Senate and the House or Representatives. She is not accompanied by any family member. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/hDPOXI1BjF
— Daphne Galvez (@daphnegalvez_) May 25, 2022
In contrast, her running mate President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s ascent to the rostrum saw his wife Liza Araneta, sisters Imee and Irene, mother Imelda, and son Simon beside and behind him.
President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is at at the rostrum at the Batasang Pambansa Complex and receives the certificate of canvass. He is accompanied by his wife Liza Araneta, son Simon, sisters Imee and Irene, and mother Imelda. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/KbyjTqb1yD
— Daphne Galvez (@daphnegalvez_) May 25, 2022
On Wednesday evening, President Rodrigo Duterte was in the Malacañan Palace receiving the credentials of four new ambassadors from Cambodia, Indonesia, Argentina, and Greece.