Vice President Sara Duterte’s remark about appointing herself as the “designated survivor” during President Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address (SONA) has sparked criticism from senior House leaders, who labeled the comment as tasteless and indicative of a lack of trustworthiness.
On Friday, senior deputy floor leader and Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. and members of the “Young Guns” coalition expressed their disapproval, accusing Duterte of alarming the public with her insinuations of a bombing during the President’s annual address.
“We don’t even know if we can still trust her now. Whatever happened to some decency or at least being forthright in public service?” Gonzales stated in an Inquirer.net report. He also questioned Duterte’s understanding of the Philippine Constitution, referencing the Netflix series “Designated Survivor” which seems to have inspired her comment.
“There’s no such thing as ‘designated survivor’ in the Philippines. Is she spending too much time watching Netflix? She better read our Constitution. It’s as clear as sunlight,” Gonzales added, emphasizing the absence of such a provision in the nation’s legal framework.
Duterte’s resignation from President Marcos’ Cabinet as education secretary is set to take effect on July 19, marking the first time top leaders of the 300-member House have openly criticized her.
Former Senator Panfilo Lacson pointed out that while the Constitution mandates a law on presidential succession, no such legislation has been passed. He cited Article VII of the Constitution, which requires Congress to define the acting president if the top three successors are incapacitated.
Also offended by Duterte’s comments were Isabela Representative Inno Dy V, 1-Rider party list Representative Rodge Gutierrez, Davao Oriental Representative Cheeno Miguel Almario, La Union Representative Paolo Ortega V, Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, Ako Bicol party list Representative Jil Bongalon, and Zambales Representative Jay Khonghun, who all condemned her for not exercising more prudence in her public statements.