Vice President Sara Duterte | PHOTO: Official facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s self-appointment as the “designated survivor” is “poor in taste” and a reflection of “a dangerous and outdated approach to politics that we must leave behind,” AnaKalusugan party-list Rep. Ray Reyes said on Sunday.
The lawmaker also said Duterte’s joke “trivializes the serious matter of national security.”
Duterte named herself a designated survivor after she was asked if she would attend the third State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 22.
In the United States, a designated survivor is a government official chosen to stay at a secure location during events where top leaders are gathered to ensure the continuity of government in case a catastrophic event kills or incapacitates the president, vice president, and other top officials.
“As a nation striving for unity and progress, we cannot afford to indulge in toxic politics that undermine the trust and cooperation necessary for effective governance,” Reyes said.
“In Bagong Pilipinas, we envision a country free from the shadows of toxic politics,” he added.
READ: VP Duterte as ‘designated survivor’? No such thing in PH – House SecGen
The lawmaker also urged public officials “to rise above petty politics and contribute positively to the nation’s development.”
“The future of our country hinges on our collective efforts to create a political culture that prioritizes the welfare of the Filipino people. It is high time we move beyond the politics of fear and division and work towards a united, prosperous, and resilient Philippines,” he added.
Earlier, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said “Every public official has the prerogative to decide on their attendance at significant events” but the Sona should feature “unity” among the country’s leaders.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco believes Duterte was just joking when she named herself a designated survivor because there is no such thing in the country.
Duterte did not provide any reason or explanation for why she opted to skip the Sona.
Last month, Duterte resigned as secretary of the Department of Education and vice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Her resignation will take effect on July 19. Senator Sonny Angara will replace her as education secretary.