The recent controversy surrounding Vice President Sara Duterte’s children’s book, Isang Kaibigan (A Friend), has sparked a heated debate among Filipinos online. During Senate deliberations on the proposed 2025 Office of the Vice President budget, Senator Risa Hontiveros raised concerns about why P10 million was allotted for the distribution of books authored by the Vice President. This issue quickly gained traction on social media, with many echoing Hontiveros‘ questions and criticizing the allocation of funds for the book.
Isang Kaibigan tells the story of an owl who is abandoned by all but one of his friends after losing everything in a storm. The book emphasizes the importance of true friendship, with the author’s page describing Duterte as „isang tunay na kaibigan (a true friend).“ However, social media users were quick to point out the irony of this description, citing past incidents such as Duterte’s physical altercation with a court sheriff in 2011.
The controversy surrounding Isang Kaibigan also led to criticism of Duterte’s actions during natural disasters and her relationships with controversial figures. Some users used the theme of the book to highlight Duterte’s overseas trip during Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon, as well as her connections to China and fugitive preacher Apollo Quiboloy. This further fueled the online discussion and added to the scrutiny of the Vice President’s decisions and priorities.
In response to the backlash, Duterte accused Hontiveros of politicizing the OVP’s budget instead of addressing the questions raised about the book. The distribution of Isang Kaibigan is part of the OVP’s „PagbaBAGo Campaign,“ a flagship program aimed at promoting positive change and values among Filipino youth. Despite the controversy, the book continues to be a focal point of discussion online, with users using humor and satire to express their opinions on the matter.
Overall, the debate surrounding Isang Kaibigan highlights the intersection of politics, art, and public perception in the Philippines. As Filipinos continue to engage in discussions about the book and its implications, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the Vice President’s image and the public’s perception of her leadership.