VP Duterte on Valentine’s Day: Avoid crushes; they’ll break your heart

Vice President Sara Duterte, secretary of the Department of Education INQUIRER file photo / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — It seems Vice President Sara Duterte has some “hugot” or personal sentiments this Valentine’s Day, as she cautioned the public about their “crushes,” advising them not to approach them.

After all, “crushes” are called that because they have the potential to “crush and break your heart,” according to Duterte.

“That’s why a person you like is called a “crush” — because he will crush and break your heart. So it’s better not to approach him. Happy Valentine’s to all of you,” she said in Filipino.

READ: President Marcos greets public ‘Happy Heart’s Day!’

READ: Money is most preferred Valentine’s Day gift of Filipinos – SWS

Rice before love

In a separate message posted through her official TikTok page, Duterte also reminded the public that rice is more important than love this Valentine’s.

“For me, rice is more important than love. If you have love but no money to buy rice, it’s like eating kare-kare without rice,” she said in Filipino.

“That’s how Valentine’s Day should be: Rice before love.”

READ: Ensuring stable rice supply is DA’s main concern, says official

Based on the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) website, rice prices range from P50 to P65 kilogram depending on classification as of Tuesday, Feb. 13.

The DA previously admitted that it could not stabilize rice prices, emphasizing stock as the bigger challenge.