Young Guns slam VP Duterte's 'designated survivor' remark

Members of the House of Representatives' "Young Guns" bloc criticized Vice President Sara Duterte's "designated survivor" remark and her planned absence from the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The lawmakers, including Reps. Inno Dy, Cheeno Miguel Almario, and others, deemed the statement inappropriate and reckless, suggesting it could incite public fear and instability.

Dy and Almario emphasized that statements from high-ranking officials like the Vice President carry significant weight and could be interpreted as hinting at a looming threat to President Marcos Jr.'s SONA.

Almario questioned the message Duterte intended to convey with her remarks, asking if she aimed to influence public opinion, divert attention, or create controversy.

Vice President Duterte had confirmed her absence from the SONA on July 22, stating she was appointing herself the "designated survivor."