A recent photo circulating on social media has gone viral, allegedly showing staff members from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) watching President Bongbong Marcos’ typhoon briefing rather than leading their own. This incident, which surfaced during Typhoon Kristine’s onslaught, has sparked a wave of reactions from the public, who have been keenly following government responses to the ongoing storm and flood crises.
Many citizens have voiced their frustrations online, questioning the effectiveness and preparedness of certain government offices during times of calamity. While waiting for updates on relief efforts, the public’s attention was also drawn to former Vice President Leni Robredo. Known for her swift response to disaster-stricken communities, Robredo activated her Angat Buhay Foundation to provide immediate assistance to areas affected by the heavy flooding, especially in her home region of Bicol. Many praised her efforts, as her foundation appeared to mobilize faster than some official government agencies.
The timing of Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent activities also became a hot topic online. Photos of Duterte at a wedding in Cebu alongside other well-known figures circulated widely. Additionally, during Typhoon Carina’s impact in July 2024, images reportedly showed the Vice President at an airport, allegedly preparing for a trip to Germany with her family. These sightings have fueled further discussions on social media, especially given the recent scrutiny surrounding Duterte’s use of confidential funds, her budget allocations for the Department of Education, safehouse rentals, and other expenses. Critics have called for greater transparency, questioning the justification for such large expenditures.
OVP Briefing pero ang pinapanood nila yung briefing ni BBM.
— HAPPY PEPE (@succubus_20) October 25, 2024
Ganyan talaga pag wala nag lelead sa OVP https://t.co/q88SzTnOHF pic.twitter.com/WemwVzPcJd
The viral OVP briefing photo has led to mixed reactions from netizens, some of whom expressed disappointment over the lack of proactive measures from the OVP. Others were concerned that the office appeared to rely solely on the president’s directives during a disaster rather than spearheading its own coordinated efforts.
As of now, the OVP has yet to release an official statement addressing the viral photo. Many await clarification on whether this incident reflects the office’s standard protocol for typhoon response or if it was an isolated occurrence. Public interest remains high as citizens look to their leaders for accountability and timely action during crises.