Vice President Sara Duterte disclosed on Wednesday, September 18, that she and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are not friends, in response to a question regarding her interactions with the country’s Chief Executive.
"Hindi kami magkaibigan," Duterte said during an ambush interview with media at the House of Representatives following her attendance in a hearing on the Office of the Vice President's (OVP) alleged inefficient use of funds.
"Unang-una, nagkakilala lang kami dahil naging running mate kami so bago pa man kami naging running mate, hindi na kami nag-uusap," she added.
Duterte mentioned that she only spoke with Marcos during the campaign and for work-related matters, but they no longer communicate now.
She further stated that her friend is Senator Imee Marcos, the Presidential sister, who has been acquainted with her since 2012.
When asked when she last spoke with the President, she replied that it was when she tendered her resignation; that was the last time they communicated.
Duterte shared that it is not her nature to ask for help from others. Her father is aware of this, even during his time as mayor and President. Because of this trait, she said she is reluctant to approach the President regarding the 'attacks' she is facing from Congress.
Without explicitly blaming Marcos, Duterte asserted that his allies in the House are orchestrating a "political attack" intended to damage her reputation and that of her family.
The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability kicked off an inquiry on Wednesday into the OVP's management of public funds, highlighting her office’s P125 million confidential funds in 2022.
