A designated survivor refers to an individual who is chosen to remain in a secure location during a significant event, such as a State of the Nation Address (SONA) or a similar gathering of top officials. The purpose is to ensure the continuity of government operations in case of a catastrophic event that affects the leadership.
Recent Situation in the Philippines
- Vice President Sara Duterte recently made headlines when she announced that she would skip President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s third SONA. This decision marks the first time she has missed the SONA since assuming the vice presidency in 2022.
- Duterte humorously referred to herself as the “designated survivor” for the event. Her statement came amid persistent rumors of an ouster plot against President Marcos. Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV had claimed that Duterte’s father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, was behind the alleged plot.
- Notably, there is no official rule regarding a designated survivor in the Philippine government, unlike in the United States. In the US, the role is assigned to a Cabinet member who would be taken to a secure location during the State of the Union Address to ensure an unbroken line of succession in case of a disaster.
Reactions and Controversy
- Speaker Martin Romualdez emphasized that the SONA is a crucial moment for unity and collaboration among the nation’s leaders. Despite Duterte’s absence, the House of Representatives remains committed to working with all branches of government to improve the lives of Filipinos.
- However, Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua criticized Duterte’s statement, emphasizing that the security of the President is not a joking matter. Given the current political tensions, such a joke is considered tasteless and irresponsible.
Calls for Legislation
- Senator Panfilo M. Lacson has called for the process to pass a “Designated Survivor” measure in the Philippines. This legislation aims to guarantee the continuity and stability of government operations, preventing a potential constitutional crisis and leadership vacuum.
In summary, Vice President Sara Duterte’s decision to skip the SONA and her playful reference to herself as the “designated survivor” highlight the importance of government continuity and security during significant events. While the concept lacks formal guidelines in the Philippines, discussions around legislation may arise to address this critical aspect of governance.