Vice President Sara Duterte attended a caucus in Manila’s District 3 last Friday night, where she sharply criticized local Representative Joel Chua. In her speech, Duterte expressed frustration, saying she did not even know Chua personally, yet he was persistently trying to tarnish her reputation.

“Nagtataka lang ako sa kanya kung bakit niya ako sinisira eh hindi naman ako tumatakbo kandidato,” Duterte said.

(I just wonder why he is trying to ruin me when I’m not even running as a candidate.)

Instead, Duterte endorsed Chua’s rival, Apple Nieto, who is also running for the same position as representative in Manila District 3 under the banner of former Manila mayor Isko "Yorme" Moreno.

According to Duterte, she was informed by a common friend that Chua had explained he was “just following orders” but did not specify from whom he was taking directives.

“Dapat ang sinusunod lang yung legal orders at pag illegal hindi dapat sundin katulad namin kaya alam nyo na na wag nyo ng iboto si Joel Chua kundi si Apple Nieto na lang at buong tiket ni Yorme,” Duterte stated.

(Only legal orders should be followed, and if they’re illegal, they should not be obeyed, just like what we do. So you already know — don't vote for Joel Chua, vote for Apple Nieto and the entire slate of Yorme instead)

Chua, a lawyer, heads the committee known as Quadcomm, which is conducting probes on the Duterte administration’s past war on drugs, alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs), drug smuggling, and alleged misuse of funds at the Office of the Vice President and her former post at the Department of Education (DepEd), seemingly under the present administration’s directive.

Chua is seeking re-election in Manila’s 3rd District under the party of incumbent Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, a political rival of comebacking former mayor Isko Moreno.

Duterte had earlier appeared at Moreno’s campaign event where she endorsed Moreno’s full slate, along with her "DUTER10" senatorial lineup, which she promotes alongside Senator Imee Marcos.

During her speech, Duterte also jokingly chided Senator Imee Marcos, suggesting she should consider changing her surname as a playful jab at her relation to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

“Dapat Senator Imee magpalit ka na ng apelyido, pero teka meron pa rin pa lang problema ang middle name mo pala ay Romualdez din, pero mga kababayan, mabait na tao siya,” Duterte said.

(Senator Imee, you should change your last name, but wait, there's still a problem — your middle name is Romualdez too, hehe. But fellow citizens, she is a good person)