Vice President Sara Duterte’s Response to “Duterte-Duterte” Tandem Proposal
Vice President Sara Duterte’s response to the proposal of a “Duterte-Duterte” tandem in the 2028 presidential elections reflects her commitment to maintaining a separate personal and political relationship with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. While former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo may have had good intentions in suggesting this tandem, Vice President Duterte made it clear that she was not involved in any discussions regarding this matter.
The Separation of Personal and Political Spheres
During her visit to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where she was fulfilling her duties as the President of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), Vice President Duterte emphasized that her relationship with her father has never been centered around politics. They have always chosen to keep their conversations focused on personal matters, even before the 2016 elections. This separation of personal and political spheres allows them to maintain a healthy and balanced relationship, free from the pressures and conflicts that often arise in the political arena.
Addressing Concerns and Demonstrating Independence
Furthermore, Vice President Duterte addressed the concerns expressed by her father and President Marcos regarding her well-being. She assured both leaders that she is capable of taking care of herself while fulfilling her duties as Vice President and concurrent Education Secretary. By acknowledging their concerns and appreciating their respect for her independence, she highlighted the importance of focusing on the work that needs to be done for the country.
Commitment to Public Service and Education
As the Vice President, Sara Duterte has proven herself to be a capable and dedicated public servant. She has consistently prioritized the welfare of the Filipino people and has worked tirelessly to address the pressing issues facing the nation. Her commitment to her role as Education Secretary further demonstrates her dedication to improving the educational system and ensuring that every Filipino child has access to quality education.
Fortifying Partnerships in Cambodia
In conclusion, Vice President Sara Duterte’s indifference towards the proposal of a “Duterte-Duterte” tandem in the 2028 presidential elections is rooted in her desire to maintain a healthy personal relationship with her father. Her focus remains on fulfilling her duties as Vice President and Education Secretary, and she is committed to working for the betterment of the Filipino people. During her visit to Cambodia, Vice President Duterte aimed to fortify the educational, scientific, and cultural partnership between the Philippines and Cambodia. She highlighted the significance of her discussions with Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport, which she considered a clear testament to the mutual dedication of the two countries in advancing regional education.
Collaboration in Education and Technical Development
By exchanging best practices and innovative strategies, Vice President Duterte expressed her commitment to further collaboration in developing initiatives that would transform the educational landscape. She specifically mentioned the potential for learning from the practices and programs of the SEAMEO Center for Technical Education Development in Cambodia, particularly in terms of ensuring that technical education adapts to industry changes.
Vice President Duterte stated, “The collaboration between our ministries of education and our SEAMEO centers will hopefully pave the way for new programs towards achieving our vision in SEAMEO. I do believe that unity and stability can be fostered through cooperation and collaboration.”
Scientific Partnerships and Cultural Exchange
In addition to strengthening educational ties, Vice President Duterte also emphasized the importance of scientific partnerships between the two countries. She acknowledged the significant strides made by Cambodia in the field of scientific research and expressed her eagerness to explore opportunities for joint research projects. The Vice President stressed the need for increased collaboration in areas such as environmental conservation, renewable energy, and healthcare innovation.
Furthermore, cultural exchange was a key focus of Vice President Duterte’s visit. Recognizing the rich cultural heritage of both nations, she proposed initiatives to promote cultural understanding and appreciation. These included student exchange programs, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals that would showcase the diversity and traditions of both countries.
Regional Development and Progress
Vice President Duterte emphasized that these partnerships were not only beneficial for the Philippines and Cambodia but also for the entire Southeast Asian region. By leveraging each other’s strengths and sharing resources, the two countries could contribute to the overall development and progress of the region.
Source: The Manila Times