Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. —Inquirer photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Saturday issued a stinging rebuke of Vice President Sara Duterte’s latest threats against President Marcos, calling out her “erratic and troubling behavior” and appealing to people in her inner circle to help rein in her outbursts.
“I urge those who are close to her—those who truly care about her as a person and as a leader—to advise her to refrain from making these indecorous and possibly criminal statements in public. These do not benefit the Vice President, her office or our country,” Escudero said in a statement.
“If she is struggling, I sincerely hope she seeks and is provided with the help she may need so she can regain calm and composure, and properly discharge her duties as Vice President,” the Senate leader added.
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The country’s third highest government official said she found Duterte’s rants against Marcos in the wee hours of Saturday “deeply concerning as they are inappropriate for an official occupying the second highest office of the land.”
As a ranking government official, Duterte has the responsibility to be a good example to every Filipino, particularly the youth, and thus consider the public interest in her actions, he added.
Imee might help ‘negotiate’
Like all other civil servants, Escudero said the Vice President should always consider the interest of the public in all her actions.
“The Vice President and her allies must also consider how her actions have contributed to rising tensions. I call on all parties involved to de-escalate the situation to prevent further harm to the safety, health and well-being of everyone involved,” Escudero said.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said Sen. Imee Marcos could play a vital role in resolving the conflict between her brother and the Vice President.
Being a close friend of Duterte, “she may negotiate between the two camps. Maybe she could initiate a move to lessen the political tension,” Estrada said in an interview on dwIZ.
“I’m just praying that they will reconcile because the people will be affected,” Estrada said.
On the phone with Lopez
According to Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a close ally of the Duterte family, Senator Marcos actually spoke on the phone with Zuleika Lopez, the Vice President’s chief of staff whose detention at the House of Representatives mainly triggered the latest flare-up of tensions.
“In fairness to Senator Imee, she is also concerned about the situation. In fact, we called her because (Lopez) was looking for her,” Dela Rosa said.
“They were able to speak to each other. (Lopez) became calm after she spoke with Senator Imee,” he said.
Dela Rosa said he did not find anything wrong with the Vice President’s latest statements against the President and his House allies.
“If you were in her situation, will you tolerate (what they are doing to her)? Her conduct may be unbecoming, but she’s just a human who feels pain and anger,” the senator said.