MANILA – Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio won’t reveal the reason for her resignation as secretary of the Department of Education and vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
The Office of Vice President said in a statement sent to Panay News that Duterte-Carpio will not entertain questions regarding her decision while in the transition period from her two Cabinet posts.
“We understand that most are curious as to the reason behind such decision, but what is of greater and pressing importance is that a proper transition be made for the next Secretary,” the OVP said.
“We ask for patience, especially from our media partners and friends, as we will not be taking interviews on the matter during the transition period,” Duterte-Carpio’s office added.
Cracks in Duterte-Carpio’s partnership with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. began to show in 2023 when the leadership of the House of Representatives under Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez – Marcos’ cousin – removed former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as senior deputy speaker. The Vice President responded by bolting Lakas-CMD, Romualdez’s party.
Duterte-Carpio was then stripped off her confidential funds by the Romualdez-led House under the 2024 national budget.
Earlier this year, former President Rodrigo Duterte accused President Marcos of using illegal drugs in a prayer rally in Davao City. His allegations were denied by the President.
First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos then said in an interview that Duterte-Carpio was a “bad shot” to her after the Vice President was caught on camera laughing while her father attacked the President in a Davao event last January.
Just last week, Duterte-Carpio declared in an interview that her “UniTeam” with Marcos Jr. during the 2022 national elections no longer exists as the campaign period is already over./PN
