By Wilnard Bacelonia

THANK YOU. Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte delivers a speech during the Partners’ Appreciation and Recognition ceremony at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City on Tuesday (Feb. 20, 2024). Duterte lauded the efforts and interventions of DepEd’s partner organizations to ensure the welfare of learners and teachers. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – Vice President Sara Z. Duterte expressed her commitment to continue working amid new allegations from a former Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) member who testified before the Senate.

In a video statement Tuesday, Duterte said attacks and allegations against her are expected, being the second highest ranking government official of the country.

“Sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, naging kagawian na ang pag-atake at pagbato ng sari-saring isyu laban sa Bise Presidente. Marahil, sapagkat ang Bise Presidente ang tumatayong pangunahing hadlang sa mga nangangarap maging pangulo (In the history of the Philippines, attacks and issues thrown against the vice president became customary. Maybe, because the Vice President is the primary obstacle for those who dream to be President),” she said.

Former KOJC member “Rene” claimed before the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality on Monday that the Vice President and her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, received “bags of guns” from Quiboloy.

Duterte said she expects more allegations like this in the future.

“Naniniwala ako na may tamang panahon para sa lahat. Panahon ngayon ng aking pagtatrabaho. Tutuparin ko ang sinumpaang tungkulin (I believe that there is a time for everything. This is the time for me to work. I will fulfill my sworn duty),” she said, saying real problems and the Filipinos are her priority.

The previous accusation against the Vice President was from retired police officer Arturo Lascañas, who linked her to the alleged Davao Death Squad and alleged she formulated “Oplan Tokhang,” the anti-drug campaign of the Philippine National Police in the previous administration.

Duterte cited the accusation as “scripted,” saying the allegation came up only when she was elected Vice President. (PNA)