VP Sara Duterte: School violence stems from weak leadership, mirrors nation's issues

Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday said recent incidents of school violence are a manifestation of weak leadership, similar to what is happening in the nation. "This is what happens, not just to the youth but to everyone, when there is no visible leadership, people go their own way," Duterte said in an interview outside the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, after visiting her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained at the ICC. "If you see government employees now, their mentality is the same. They go their own way. Because the moral ascendancy of those at the top, those in power, is lost. When we say at the top, we mean our President, our cabinet secretaries, and others working in the Office of the President. When people see that, respect is lost. When respect is lost, everyone goes their own way. That is a manifestation of weak leadership," she added. Duterte was also asked for her thoughts on Pax Silica, a US-led initiative and economic security framework aimed at creating a global supply chain for AI and the semiconductor industry. The Philippines is among the 24 country signatories. As part of this effort, an AI-focused industrial hub spanning 1,600 hectares is being eyed in New Clark City in Tarlac. "I cannot comment on that," she said. Regarding her father, the Vice President said he was in good spirits. "Very good. Very... President Duterte's mood is happy. And I told him that before I came in, there were Filipinos waiting outside and sending their regards to him. He said to stop telling people not to spend, not to inconvenience themselves by coming here. He said to just do what is in your hearts," she said. Duterte also clarified that she never said in London that Rodrigo Duterte would be released from the ICC next week, refuting circulating social media posts. "I did not say in my speech that PRRD will be released next week. I don't know where that started, but it was definitely not in the transcript that I said PRRD will be released from the ICC or PRRD will be released next week," she stated. She further explained that the ICC website shows no scheduled hearing for release, only for his trial proper. The Vice President expressed her gratitude to her supporters and conveyed a message from the elder Duterte: "My best wishes to the men and women and LGBT of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. You are very close to my heart because you offer your lives for the country." Duterte also mentioned plans to visit Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who is detained on plunder charges, upon her return to the Philippines. Information Source: GMA News Philippines