Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte’s recent appearance at a rally in support of televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, which had some guests demanding the resignation of President Marcos, sparked speculations about her stance on the current administration.
Despite her role as the designated caretaker of the country while the President is in Europe for a working visit, Duterte was spotted in the assembly posing for photos with Quiboloy’s supporters carrying posters that read “Protect VP Inday Sara.”
The event, held at Liwasang Bonifacio on Tuesday night, was organized by supporters of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ preacher, who is currently under scrutiny in congressional hearings over various allegations of abuse.
Also in attendance was the Vice President’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who expressed his usual ambivalence toward his successor’s leadership.
Organizers reportedly invited the younger Duterte to speak onstage, but she declined.
Former Biliran Rep. Glenn Chong addressed the crowd and suggested that President Marcos “should not return to the Philippines after his European trip.”
On Monday, the Vice President released a statement defending Quiboloy. She criticized the hearings for seemingly presuming his guilt based solely on allegations from witnesses whose credibility she questioned.
Duterte’s appearance at the rally follows previous instances where she has engaged in public dissent against the administration. In January, she was present in a rally against charter change, where her brother Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte also called for the resignation of President Marcos.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, criticized the attendance of the former president and Vice President Duterte at the prayer rally.
She said that the presence of the Quiboloy supporters at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila will not affect the ongoing hearings on his cases and the Senate as a whole.
Hontiveros said the presence of Duterte strengthens speculations that the former president and Quiboloy are business partners.
Quiboloy appointed Duterte as administrator of the properties of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Hontiveros also shot back at the Vice President, who earlier said the Senate hearings are “just political.”
Senators Ronald Dela Rosa and Christopher Go also attended the prayer rally.
Dela Rosa said he went there after hearing the former president would go there, adding that Quiboloy is also his friend.