When Senator Risa Hontiveros asked Vice President Sara Duterte about the justification for allocating P500 million for confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) in her proposed budget, Duterte initially deferred to her chief of staff for an answer. However, Hontiveros politely insisted that it would be more appropriate for Duterte herself to respond. Eventually, Duterte acknowledged that the funds were intended for her personal security as a backup president and proceeded to justify them as necessary for the implementation of programs and activities of the Office of the Vice President (OVP). However, Hontiveros pointed out that these funds seemed to be more about the needs of the person occupying the office rather than the office itself.
In contrast to former Vice President Leni Robredo, who never requested a single centavo of CIF, Duterte has shown a preoccupation with her personal safety from the beginning of her term. She even requested the Department of National Defense to create a separate security unit for the Office of the Vice President. This new unit, known as the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group, is much larger than the security details of past vice presidents. The rationale for its creation was explained by Duterte herself, who acknowledged the need for the group in anticipation of “future elections” and the possibility of strained relations between the president and vice president under certain scenarios.
While it may seem entitled and distrustful to start a vice presidential term in this manner, it can be understood when considering the uncertainty that comes with a coalition alliance like the one Duterte entered with Bongbong Marcos. The waiting period of six years until the 2022 presidential election is filled with uncertainties, and political alliances can easily shift.
Looking ahead to the 2028 presidential election, two complications need to be managed carefully by our political leaders. The first is the emotional residue of the American colonial legacy, which has influenced Philippine decision-making for decades. The second is the potential for a strident anti-China policy to turn into full-blown racism against all Chinese people. It would be unacceptable for any politician to exploit racial prejudice for electoral gain.
Overall, it is crucial for our political leaders to navigate these complexities with discernment and care.
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