VP Duterte leaves PH for Germany, netizens express frustration amid typhoon Carina
Paulo Gaborni July 25, 2024 at 01:50 PM
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte and her family left for Germany early Wednesday, July 24, as Typhoon Carina brought incessant rain and severe floods to Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Duterte was photographed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 with her husband, children, and mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman.
The flight departed around 1:50 a.m. on Wednesday and is set to arrive in Dubai for a connecting trip to Munich, Germany.
Although the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has not disclosed the reason for Duterte’s trip, it has released a press statement including images and videos of its employees preparing to help typhoon-affected families in Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog (CALABARZON).
“The OVP-DOC (Disaster Operations Center) is currently coordinating with different local government units (LGUs) in the areas affected by Typhoon Carina for the conduct of its relief operations,” the OVP said.
Netizens Express Anger Over #DesignatedSurvivor
Filipinos expressed outrage on social media, particularly over Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s departure to Germany. The hashtags #NasaanAngBisePresidente, #SaraDuterte, and #DesignatedSurvivor quickly trended on X (formerly known as Twitter) as the public reacted to the Vice President’s trip, which was planned just hours before Typhoon Carina intensified the southwest monsoon rains over the metro and neighboring provinces.
One netizen bluntly expressed her frustration, saying, “If Sara had the gall to appoint herself ‘designated survivor,’ why couldn’t she even postpone her trip to Germany while the country grapples with the devastating effects of Typhoon Carina?”
Jane C. also voiced her opinion, referencing Duterte’s earlier use of confidential funds. “Well…yan ang mga pinagmamalaki ng mga panatiko. Noon si VP Leni hinahanap nila, bagama’t nakilos naman, kahit Du30 din ang Pres..eh ngayon? Ano naman ang dahilan, ubos na ang confi funds?”
Many netizens compared the current OVP’s relief operations to those of former Vice President Leni Robredo, who was noted for her public service, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Robredo’s NGO, “Angat Buhay,” was listed among the top 20 trending topics in the Philippines on X. According to its Facebook page, the NGO was setting up its Bayanihan Volunteer Network to support relief efforts at the time of publication.
📷 Inday Sara Duterte FB, Anthony Fernandez/Manila Bulletin