Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday thanked the retired Philippine Military Academy alumni and former members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, who issued a bold plea for the release of SMNI hosts Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz from detention at the Batasang Pambansa.

"The call of the PMA alumni and former members of the AFP is a reminder of the importance of order, integrity, and good governance," Duterte said in a statement.

She also thanked the media, social media practitioners, professionals, IP leaders, and other sectors who became instruments in the release of Badoy and Celiz.

"A united people has power for the advancement of our rights, for justice, truth, and in establishing a peaceful and strong nation," she said.

Badoy was cited in contempt on 5 December for allegedly lying about her role as producer and host of her program. Celiz, her co-host, was also cited in contempt and detained by the House panel for his refusal to divulge the identity of his source that provided erroneous information about Speaker Martin Romualdez's alleged P1.8-billion travel fund.

"They are a symbol of a nation who stand for what is right," Duterte said.

"Dr. Badoy and Ka Eric first showed courage and loyalty to the people as part of the successful campaign of the Duterte administration against terrorism and insurgency under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict," she added.