Sara thanks Marcos for trust, doesn't need to always agree with Duterte, brothers

Amid a growing rift between their families, Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday thanked President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for his trust while assuring that her views are independent from those of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

In a statement on Thursday, the vice president thanked Marcos for continuing to entrust her with the Education portfolio in his Cabinet.

She implored the public to respect the opinions of her family members and stated that her loyalty lies, first and foremost, to the nation.

"Nagpapasalamat din ako kay Apo BBM (Bongbong Marcos) sa kanyang paggalang sa aking mga paninindigan, katulad na lang ng aking pagtutol sa 'Pera kapalit ang pirma sa People's Initiative' dahil insulto ito sa kahirapan ng ating mga mamamayan at paglabag sa kanilang karapatang magpasya ng malaya," said Duterte.

(I would also like to thank Apo BBM for respecting my stand on issues, including my opposition to the 'Money in exchange for People's Initiative signatures' because this is an insult to the poverty of our citizens and a violation of their free will.)

Stressing that Marcos has demonstrated respect for others, the vice president said it was just proper for Filipinos to also respect the opinions and beliefs of other people, including their own family members.

"May respeto ako sa mga pananaw at opinyon ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte pati na ng aking kapatid. Katulad ng posisyon ko sa maraming mga isyu, hindi kailangan na sumasang-ayon ako sa lahat ng mga ito. Pinalaki ako ng aking mga magulang na may pagpapahalaga sa malayang pag-iisip at pagpapasya. Para sa akin, laging nangunguna ang katapatan ko sa paglilingkod sa bayan,” she said.

(I respect the views and opinions of former President Rodrigo Duterte and my siblings. Similar to my position in other issues, I do not always need to agree with them. I was raised by my parents to value free will and independent decision-making. For me, my dedication to serve the country will always come first.)

Earlier this week, Marcos designated Sara as the government's caretaker while he was in Vietnam for a state visit.

The night before Marcos' departure, the Duterte patriarch and Sebastian had choice words for the Chief Executive during a prayer rally in Davao City.

The former president said Marcos was a drug addict, and that he might suffer the same fate as the latter's father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., should he continue on his current path.

Sebastian, meanwhile, called on the Chief Executive to resign.

Sara attended the same event, just hours after expressing support for the President's socioeconomic agenda during the Bagong Pilipinas kick-off rally in Manila City.

The Dutertes have called on the public to oppose the ongoing people's initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution. For his part, Marcos has noted the need to amend the economic provisions of the Charter, with the political changes to come after. — VDV, GMA Integrated News