Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte said Wednesday she has resigned from the cabinet of President Ferdinand Marcos, with tense relations between the two families turning into a public rift in recent months. Ms. Duterte gave no clear reason for her move but she leaves her post as education minister ahead of mid-term and local elections scheduled for next year.
The vice president's father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, and Mr. Marcos have had a very public falling out as both families attempt to shore up their rival support bases and secure key positions ahead of the mid-term elections and presidential polls in 2028. Mr.
Marcos and Ms. Duterte had teamed up to a landslide victory in the May 2022 presidential and vice presidential election. Ms.
Duterte "tendered her resignation as member of the cabinet" and will no longer serve as secretary of education, presidential spokesperson Cheloy Garafil told reporters, adding she would continue as vice president. Ms. Duterte also resigned as the vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
As vice president, the 46-year-old would take over as president in case Mr. Marcos, 66, dies or becomes unable to perform his duties at any time during their six-year terms. Mr.
Garafil said the vice president declined to give her reasons, but Mr. Marcos has accepted the resignation. "We thank her for her service," Mr.
Garafil added. In a separate press conference, Ms. Duterte said she met with the president.