Davao City – A wave of solidarity surged through Rizal Park on Saturday evening, November 23, 2024, as over 1,000 supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte gathered for a prayer rally. The event, organized by the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL) Party, showcased their unwavering backing for Duterte amidst her escalating conflict with the House of Representatives over confidential funds and the treatment of her staff.
A Show of Unity and Defiance
Supporters, clad in black shirts and holding placards with messages like “Resign BBM” and “We Stand for the Vice President”, lit candles and prayed in unison. The rally, which started at 7:10 PM and lasted until 9:30 PM, was marked by speeches from Duterte allies, including Davao City Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. He strongly criticized the national government, expressing frustration with the current political climate.
Quitain assured the crowd that the event was not a “hakot crowd,” emphasizing their genuine support for Duterte. Absent from the rally were Duterte’s brother, Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and their father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
A Contentious House Standoff
The rally followed a dramatic series of events involving Duterte and her chief-of-staff, Atty. Zuleika Lopez. Lopez had been detained by the House of Representatives after being cited for contempt over alleged interference in the ongoing investigation into the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential funds.
On Friday, November 22, Lopez’s detention was abruptly shifted from the House premises to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City. This decision was made during an emergency Zoom meeting of the House panel after receiving two letters raising “red flags” about Lopez’s actions.
The sudden transfer sparked a standoff when Lopez, reportedly suffering a medical emergency, was surrounded by around 100 police officers, a scene described by Rep. Paolo Duterte as treating her “as if she is a criminal.”
Vice President Duterte intervened, acting as Lopez’s lawyer and accusing the House panel of “attempted homicide” for endangering her staff. In a fiery early morning press conference at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City, Duterte lashed out at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, accusing them of incompetence and insinuating threats to her life.
Tensions with the House
The vice president’s actions at the House premises drew sharp criticism. Rep. Joel Chua, chair of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, condemned Duterte’s overnight stay at the House as a breach of protocol, emphasizing that it violated the 10 PM visiting hours. He further stated that her lawyering and threats against the president could be grounds for impeachment.
Despite this, Duterte’s allies rallied to her defense. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa joined her at the VMMC to support Lopez, while HTL mobilized their network to show solidarity across Davao and beyond.
Broader Implications
The controversy extends beyond Lopez, as other OVP and Department of Education officials face contempt charges for skipping hearings on alleged fund misuse. Duterte, undeterred, vowed to continue fighting for her office and her team.
As tensions mount, the prayer rally symbolized not only support for Duterte but also a growing rift in national politics. Whether this event marks the start of deeper conflicts or a turning point for the vice president’s leadership remains to be seen.
The Vice President’s fiery rhetoric and bold actions have undeniably galvanized her supporters while drawing the ire of political opponents. How this saga unfolds will shape not only her career but also the broader dynamics of Philippine politics in the coming months.
