LIVE - VP Sara Duterte press briefing (Feb. 18, 2026) - Replay | GMA Integrated News

Summary

In this powerful speech, Sarah Duterte reflects on her 47-year journey of understanding that her life was never solely hers to live. She expresses regret for her role in supporting President Bongbong Marcos, citing the corruption in the government and its failure to address the country's struggles, such as rising prices, inadequate healthcare, and poverty. Sarah apologizes for her past actions and, driven by fear for future generations, announces her candidacy for president, offering her life and strength in service of the nation. She calls for the restoration of courage, compassion, and service to the Filipino people.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sarah Duterte begins by expressing humility and reflection, acknowledging that life is not just about individual happiness but about responsibility to others.
• 😀 She quotes Proverbs 19:21, highlighting the importance of God's purpose over personal plans.
• 😀 After 47 years, Sarah realizes that her life was never meant to be only hers, and she takes responsibility for her family, country, and the people who rely on her.
• 😀 She mentions the disappointment she felt during Bongbong Marcos Jr.'s term, particularly regarding unfulfilled campaign promises and a lack of integrity.
• 😀 Sarah openly admits her struggle with the 2025 national budget, which she describes as full of corruption, leading to her decision to leave the cabinet.
• 😀 She apologizes to the Filipino people for supporting Bongbong Marcos Jr. in the presidential election, acknowledging the country's struggles under his leadership.
• 😀 Sarah expresses regret over the ongoing suffering of Filipinos, including rising prices, food insecurity, and inadequate healthcare.
• 😀 She emphasizes her concern for the next generation of Filipinos, particularly those without proper homes or support from the government.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, Sarah offers her life, strength, and future in the service of the nation, refusing to beg for forgiveness but instead committing to action.
• 😀 Sarah calls for the restoration of courage, compassion, and love for God, the country, and every Filipino family, pledging to run for president of the Philippines.

Q & A

What is the main message of the speaker's opening statement?

The speaker begins with greetings in various languages and introduces a key Bible verse, Proverbs 19:21, highlighting that while many plans are made by individuals, it is the Lord's purpose that ultimately prevails.

What realization did the speaker come to after 47 years?

The speaker realized that their life was never meant to be solely theirs, and that they had a broader purpose, which involves responsibilities to their family, country, and others.

What does the speaker say about their personal journey and the weight of responsibility?

The speaker reflects on how they struggled with the weight of their responsibilities, particularly to their family and country, and eventually accepted that their life had a unique purpose beyond personal happiness.

How does the speaker express their disappointment in Bongbong Marcos Jr.?

The speaker expresses disappointment in Bongbong Marcos Jr. by criticizing his lack of integrity and failure to honor campaign promises, as well as the corruption in the 2025 national budget.

What significant action did the speaker take in response to corruption?

In response to the corruption they observed, the speaker chose to resign from their cabinet position, knowing that this might lead to their impeachment.

What apology does the speaker offer to the Filipino people?

The speaker apologizes for helping elect Bongbong Marcos Jr. as president, expressing regret over the ongoing struggles faced by the Filipino people, including rising prices, food insecurity, and an ineffective healthcare system.

What concerns does the speaker express about the future of the Philippines?

The speaker expresses fear for the future of the country, especially for future generations, the homeless, and Filipinos abroad, warning that the nation is sinking deeper into poverty.

What is the speaker's stance on accepting poverty in the Philippines?

The speaker rejects the idea of accepting poverty as a norm and expresses concern about a future where the nation loses hope, especially for the next generation.

What does the speaker offer as a way to address the challenges facing the nation?

The speaker offers their life, strength, and future in the service of the nation, aiming to inspire courage and compassion among Filipinos to work towards a better future.

What is the speaker's declaration regarding their candidacy for president?

The speaker, Sarah Duterte, announces her candidacy for president of the Philippines, urging the public to restore courage and empathy for the country and its families.