‘Reckless’: House solons slam VP Duterte’s ‘designated survivor’ remark

MANILA, Philippines — More lawmakers from the House of Representatives have called out Vice President Sara Duterte due to her “designated survivor” remark, saying that the joke appears to be reckless and tasteless.

Members of the House’ young guns — Isabela Rep. Inno Dy V, 1-Rider Partylist Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Jil Bongalon, and Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun — all reminded Duterte of the gravity of her statements as she is Vice President.

According to Dy and Almario, such statements may raise alarm as it may be interpreted that there is a looming threat to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona).

“The Vice President’s remarks about being the ‘designated survivor’ are both inappropriate and reckless.  Such rhetoric hints at scenarios that are alarming and baseless, sowing unnecessary fear among the public,” Dy said.

“Her comments are unnecessary. As the Vice President, it is assumed that every statement she makes carries significant weight and results from careful consideration. 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?” Almario asked.

“As a high-ranking official, her words should foster unity and provide clear, constructive direction for the nation,” he added.

Meanwhile, Gutierrez and Ortega believe that Duterte’s joke is inappropriate as it was framed in a manner that induces fear.

“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,” Gutierrez said.

“The Vice President’s absence from the Sona, framed in such a dramatic and fear-inducing manner, does a disservice to the spirit of public service and solidarity. It’s imperative that our leaders demonstrate resolve and composure, especially during national events,” Ortega explained.

Duterte on Thursday said in an ambush interview in Davao that she would not be attending Marcos’ 2024 Sona and instead appointed herself as the designated survivor.

READ: A first: Sara to skip Marcos’ Sona, names self ‘designated survivor’

These remarks, however, were met with criticisms from lawmakers and netizens, as they were concerned whether the Vice President made a veiled threat because it seemed to imply that something wrong might happen to the country’s leaders who would attend the Sona.

Earlier, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. and Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo urged Duterte to get off Netflix and stop watching a series about the designated survivor, as it is not applicable in the Philippines.

READ: Sara Duterte told to stop spending too much time on Netflix

Meanwhile, Adiong, Bongalon, and Khonghun said that the Sona is not the time for such jokes.

“Jokes about national security and succession are no laughing matter. The Vice President should be setting an example of leadership and responsibility, not creating unnecessary panic,” Adiong said.

“The Sona is a pivotal event where we discuss the nation’s future. It’s not the time for jokes or to shirk our duties. We need to be there, united, to address the pressing issues our country faces,” Khonghun said.

“Our focus should be on the collective efforts to move the country forward, not on distracting theatrics. The Filipino people deserve better from their leaders,” Bongalon added.