VP Sara resigns from Lakas-CMD party

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Friday announced her irrevocable resignation as member of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party.

"This is to announce my irrevocable resignation as a Lakas-CMD member effective today," Duterte, who was the party's chairperson prior to her resignation, said in a statement.

Though she did not mention the reason for her resignation, Duterte said the Filipino people's trust in her to lead the country cannot be poisoned by "political toxicity" or undermined by "execrable political powerplay."

"I am here today because of the trust of the Filipino people in me to lead and serve them and the country, and this cannot be poisoned by political toxicity or undermined by execrable political powerplay," she said without elaborating.

"I call on all leaders to focus on the work that must be done and leave a legacy of a strong and stable homeland," Duterte added.

Duterte stressed the importance to her of serving the Filipinos and the country with the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

"Trust that my word, my commitment will be immutable," she said.

In response, Lakas-CMD Secretary General and Agusan del Norte Representative Joboy Aquino thanked the Vice President for her tenure in the party and that the party understands her decision.

"We thank Vice President Sara Duterte for the services she rendered to our party, the Lakas-CMD, as party chair, and for helping us build a Unity (United) Team aimed at bringing meaningful change to Philippine society,” Aquino said in a statement.

"As we respect her decision, we understand her reason for leaving the political party. We also support her call for all political leaders to unite in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and for all of us to work for the success of this administration for the benefit of our people," Aquino added.

Aquino also added that Lakas-CMD and Duterte still have a shared vision that "only a united country can lift the Filipino people out of poverty and ensure a better future for generations to come." — Joviland Rita and Llanesca T. Panti/KBK/RSJ, GMA Integrated News