• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The Office of the Vice President is deeply concerned about the welfare of Filipinos working and living in the Middle East as hostilities continue to escalate.
“As a nation, we should come together in prayer for the safety of our kababayans even as we hope for the expeditious and peaceful end to the conflict,” Vice President Sara Duterte said.
“The safety of our fellow Filipinos in the Middle East is of utmost importance to us,” she said.
The Vice President cautioned Filipinos against fake news, disinformation, and misinformation. They should make sure the information about the current situation come from legitimate media groups, she said
They should heed the advice of persons in authority for smooth evacuation and on other important measures for their safety, Duterte said.
Most importantly, we should remain calm and strong and at the same time, continue to have faith in God and hope for peace to prevail, she said.
“To all the governments involved in the conflict, we hope that you will always uphold the norms that safeguard humanity during these challenging times,” Duterte said.
“We should protect the life and future of every Filipino,” she added.
Meanwhile, Duterte delivers a message to the LGBT community during the celebration of Pride Month.
“Every day, countless LGBT Filipinos bring not only their exceptional talent and expertise, but a transformative courage that strengthens our families, enriches our communities, and elevates our government institutions, Vice President Sara Duterte said.
This courage—to live truthfully despite obstacles—ripples beyond individual lives. It challenges our entire society to embrace honesty, authenticity, and inclusion in all that we do, she said.
“I acknowledge with deep respect the burdens many of you carry: the sting of workplace discrimination, the barriers to equitable healthcare, and the silent battles with mental health that often come from persistent marginalization,” the vice president said.
“Pride reminds us that our shared humanity has the power to heal these wounds. It stands as living proof that our diversity is not a weakness to overcome, but a wellspring of resilience and creativity. The liberty to be oneself fully is a truth that the next generation of Filipinos will inherit and strengthen,” Duterte said.
To all Filipinos: our democratic principles demand that we protect our most vulnerable. When we safeguard LGBT rights, we reinforce the foundations upon which all our freedoms rest, she said.
Let us build together a Philippines where diversity is recognized not as incidental, but essential to our national character. Where human dignity needs no justification. Where the courage to face adversity is honored as the highest expression of Filipino resilience, Duterte said.*
