VP Sara backs Imee Marcos, Camille Villar in #Duter10 slate

Vice President Sara Duterte has finally broken her silence about her endorsement of reelectionist Senator Imee Marcos and Representative Camille Villar.

Duterte said Marcos, Villar, and 10 other senatorial candidates endorsed by her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, are united by the same vision for the country.

"The #Duter10 senatorial candidates, running under former President Rodrigo R. Duterte's PDP Laban, together with reelectionist Senator Imee Marcos and Representative Camille Villar, are united by a common vision — a peaceful and prosperous Philippines," she said in a statement issued on Monday morning.

Imee Marcos, sister of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., was originally part of the senatorial ticket formed by her brother — the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas — but left the administration slate after she questioned the arrest of former president Duterte, saying the administration's actions on the matter run counter to her ideals and principles.

Camille Villar is the daughter of former senate president Manuel Villar and Senator Cynthia Villar, known allies and close friends of former president Duterte.

"This vision is solid enough to break through the walls of the existing political division in the country," the Vice President said.

Meanwhile, Duterte visited Samar for Visita Iglesia, where she went to seven churches in the province during Holy Week.

"Unang-una mag-celebrate ng Visita Iglesia, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday. Masaya ako na nabuo ko yung seven churches kahapon galing Calbayog papunta ng Catbalogan," she said.

("First of all, to celebrate Visita Iglesia, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday. I'm happy I was able to complete the seven churches yesterday, from Calbayog to Catbalogan.")

The Vice President also shared that she visited Samar to personally express her gratitude to the locals who have continuously supported her father.

"Pangalawa, magpasalamat sa lahat ng mga supporters, especially itong mga nag-celebrate ng birthday kay President Duterte at nagdasal para sa pag-uwi ng dating pangulo," Duterte said.

("Second, to thank all the supporters, especially those who celebrated president Duterte’s birthday and prayed for the former president’s return.")

"So, maaga 'yung simula namin, madami kaming nadaanan at napasalamatan na mga kababayan natin," she added.

("So, we started early and were able to pass by and thank many of our fellow countrymen along the way.")