VICE President Sara Duterte yesterday defended her endorsement of the candidacies of reelectionist Sen. Imee Marcos, Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar and the senatorial candidates of the PDP-Laban, saying they “are united by a common vision – a peaceful and prosperous Philippines.”
“This vision is solid enough to break through the walls of the existing political division in the country,” Duterte said in a statement after administration lawmakers said her sudden change of heart about not endorsing senatorial candidates is a strategic move meant to woo their support as she faces an impeachment trial, which is expected to begin in July.
The Articles of Impeachment accuses Duterte of culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption and other high crimes. It was transmitted to the Senate on February 5.
La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V has said such political endorsements are no longer just about “principles or platforms, they’re about alliances, about survival,” while Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the vice president was obviously consolidating support.
In September last year, Duterte said will not endorse senatorial candidates.
In contrast to this statement, she has endorsed the senatorial bids of Villar of the Nacionalista Party and Marcos.
She has also endorsed the nine-man senatorial candidates of her father’s political party, the PDP-Laban, which is led by reelectionist Senators Christopher “Bong Go” and Ronald dela Rosa.
Villar has been drawing flak for receiving the vice president’s endorsement despite being a member of the “Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the senatorial slate of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Imee Marcos was initially part of the Alyansa ticket, but she has been dropped from the slate after she led a Senate investigation into the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte who is detained in the Netherlands pending trial for crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Reacting to the vice president’s statement, Alyansa’s spokesman Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco said: “We are glad that they share our goal for a peaceful and prosperous Philippines.”
“But turning that vision into reality takes more than words. It requires a clear direction, steady leadership, and a track record of delivering results,” he said.
Tiangco said Alyansa “stands on performance, not promises,” stressing that its candidates “are working with President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. to push for difficult but necessary reforms that will strengthen our institutions and improve lives.”
“What the country needs now are partners who will support the president’s legislative agenda and help accelerate key programs over the next three years. The more we get done, the more Filipinos benefit. This is not a time for obstruction but for collaboration that drives progress and sustains the momentum of Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.
The other members of the administration’s senatorial slate are former Senators Panfilo Lacson, Vicente Sotto III and Manny Pacquiao; reelectionist Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Pia Cayetano, Francis Tolentino and Lito Lapid; former interior secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay and Rep. Erwin Tulfo (PL, ACT).
