Rep Paolo Ortega questions VP Sara Duterte's loyalty to Philippines

La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V questioned Vice President Sara Duterte's loyalty on Monday, May 5.

Ortega asked whether Duterte is loyal to China or the Philippines, noting her silence on issues related to Chinese occupation of Philippine territory.

In response, Duterte denied being pro-China during an interview in Kidapawan City on Tuesday, May 6, emphasizing that she is pro-Philippines and questioned why this should be an issue given her ongoing campaign for midterm elections.

Duterte also noted that attacking China during the campaign would not address the government's failure to fulfill promises such as providing affordable rice.

Ortega has insisted that elected officials must defend the Philippines from any form of aggression or incursions from other countries like China, while Duterte accused him of being a 'product of warlordism' and urged him to focus on fulfilling promises rather than changing the topic.