VP Sara Duterte declines new cabinet role, focuses on VP duties

Vice President Sara Duterte ruled out accepting another cabinet position under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration on Thursday and emphasized her focus will remain as vice president.

During an interview after the turnover ceremony at the Department of Education, Duterte stated that she regrets leaving some unfulfilled 'dream programs' and cited personal reasons for her resignation, which began discussions before she accepted the role of running mate.

She handed over responsibilities to new Secretary Sonny Angara on June 19 and now plans to concentrate on projects within the Office of the Vice President, including medical, burial assistance, and legal aid for teachers in underserved areas.

Duterte reiterated her relationship with Marcos is 'okay,' but declined his invitation to support senatorial candidates during the midterm elections and will not attend his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, citing herself as a 'designated survivor'.

Marcos said Friday that Duterte's decision was personal between them and added that his SONA speech is finished and being fine-tuned.

Duterte also mentioned she would meet with Senator Christopher Lawrence 'Bong' Go and Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa for a 'heart-to-heart' talk after Marcos' SONA.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed respect for Vice President Sara Duterte's decision to no longer rejoin his Cabinet, stating it was her personal choice.