Vice President Sara Duterte marked Mother’s Day on Sunday by paying tribute to mothers nationwide, highlighting their vital role in nurturing and guiding their families.
In a video message, Duterte, a mother of three, expressed gratitude to all maternal figures, not just biological mothers, acknowledging them as a source of support and love. “In every day that you dedicate to nurturing, supporting, and guiding your children and loved ones, you are embodying the kind of love that is true, pure, and unmatched,” she said.
The Vice President also emphasized the importance of showing respect and love in return. “As children and as mothers who are constantly learning, our response is love, respect, and the effort to live with dignity, compassion, and integrity for others and for the country,” she added.
Duterte shared that she and her siblings planned to celebrate Mother’s Day with their mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman, over dinner on Sunday. She also expressed appreciation for Zimmerman, who helped care for her youngest child during the demanding campaign period.
As the campaign period for the midterm elections drew to a close, Duterte intensified her efforts to promote PDP-Laban’s senatorial slate, taking a more active role following her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s detention in The Hague, Netherlands, on charges of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial drug war.
Duterte admitted that campaigning for PDP-Laban’s slate has been challenging, particularly because some of the candidates are less known to the public.
The PDP-Laban senatorial lineup includes re-electionists Senators Christopher “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, along with televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, lawyers Jimmy Bondoc, Jayvee Hinlo, Raul Lambino, and Vic Rodriguez, pediatrician Marites Mata, and veteran actor Philip Salvador.
To complete its 12-member slate, PDP-Laban recently adopted Senator Imee Marcos and Rep. Camille Villar as guest candidates, aiming to strengthen the party’s presence in the Senate. The party cited the need for more allies to safeguard the Vice President from potential impeachment moves.
