Former Senator Leila de Lima urged Vice President Sara Duterte to decide between her Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary duties and her family’s vocal stance against President Marcos’ administration.
De Lima’s remarks come amid observations that Duterte appears to be attempting to navigate two conflicting currents, earning her the colloquial label of “namamangka sa dalawang ilog” (trying to paddle in two boats).
The former senator underscored that Duterte’s allegiance seems to lean towards her family members, who have openly criticized President Marcos and advocated for his removal from office.
“Her loyalties are very clear. They remain with her family who have called [President] BBM (Ferdinand Marcos) names and called for his ouster,” De Lima said.
The former senator suggested that Vice President Duterte faces a critical decision: either resign from her position and openly align herself with her family’s criticisms of President Marcos, or distance herself from such sentiments and denounce anti-administration rallies.
De Lima also noted Duterte’s attendance at an anti-administration prayer rally in Manila in March, signaling her involvement in activities critical of the current administration.
The call for Duterte’s resignation stems from criticism voiced by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who denounced the vice president’s reaction to her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, calling President Marcos “bangag” (stoned) during a rally in Davao City.
Araneta-Marcos revealed her discomfort in interacting with the vice president following this incident.