Vice President Sara Duterte said she has no Christmas message for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., explaining that the holiday season does not change a person’s character or behavior.
Duterte said that if she chooses not to greet someone on an ordinary day, she would act the same way even during Christmas. She made the statement when asked about sending holiday greetings to the President.
The Vice President also commented on reports that President Marcos is expected to sign the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 during the first week of January. Duterte stressed that the national budget should be signed before Dec. 31 to avoid the reenactment of the current year’s budget.
Under Philippine law, failure to sign the General Appropriations Act before the end of the year results in the reenactment of the previous budget, which limits the implementation of new government programs and projects.
Duterte did not provide further details on the contents of the proposed 2026 budget, focusing instead on the importance of meeting the deadline for its approval.
Asked about the condition of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, during the Christmas season, the Vice President said he is “okay” despite being detained at The Hague. She did not elaborate on his situation but assured the public that his condition remains stable.
The Vice President’s remarks came amid continued public attention on political relations within the national leadership and discussions surrounding the timely passage of the country’s budget for the coming year.
