Rep Chua criticizes VP Sara for 'designated survivor' joke

Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for joking about appointing herself as a 'designated survivor' during her absence from the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday.

AnaKalusugan party-list Rep. Ray Reyes described Duterte's self-appointment as 'poor in taste,' arguing that it trivializes national security and reflects a dangerous approach to politics.

Reyes urged public officials to rise above petty politics and work towards unity, progress, and the welfare of Filipino people.

Several bills proposing an enabling law for the role of acting president have been filed but remain unenacted.

Netizens questioned whether Duterte's statement was a veiled threat, implying potential harm to attending leaders at the SONA.

Tensions between Marcos and Duterte’s families have escalated since last year, with the Vice President resigning from her cabinet roles in June.