Vice President Sara Duterte expressed gratitude to her loyal supporters who have stood by her side during challenging times despite the controversies surrounding her.

"There is a time for everything, and this is not the time for destruction and politicking, especially since the next election is still far away," she said in a statement Wednesday.

As she thanked those who made green ribbons as an expression of support for her, she said their unwavering faith in the significance of her work is the driving force in serving fellow Filipinos.

"Your firm belief in the importance of my work and the positive change that I can contribute to the development of our country is what gives me strength and inspiration to continue serving our people," Duterte said.

The Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, headed by Duterte, have been at the center of controversy for requesting confidential and intelligence funds in their budgets for 2024.

The House Committee on Appropriations last week stripped five government agencies — one under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and two under Vice President Sara Duterte — of their proposed confidential funds amounting to P1.23 billion.