VP Sara slams DTI's P500 Noche Buena claim

Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday slammed the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) assertion that Filipino families can prepare a complete Noche Buena meal for just P500.

“Hindi totoo na kasya na ang Noche Buena sa P500 pesos. Matagal na, na hindi kasya ang ?500 pesos para sa Noche Buena ng pamilya,” Duterte told reporters as she was asked for a reaction at The Hague after visiting her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

(It’s not true that P500 is enough for a Noche Buena. It has long been not enough for a family’s Noche Buena.)

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque previously clarified that the P500 for Noche Buena only applies to a family of four and with a pared-down menu.

Duterte, however, noted that even the holiday food packages they distribute in Davao exceed that amount.

“In fact, ‘yung sa amin na pinamimigay kapag Pasko, nasa P2,100 na ‘yun ma’am eh. Ano ‘yun ma’am, spaghetti and yung salad pack,” she added.

(In fact, the ones we distribute during Christmas cost around P2,100. That includes spaghetti and a salad pack.)

'Good day'

Meanwhile, the Vice President shared brief updates about her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte.

“Well, today is a good day. Maganda ‘yung usapan namin sa politika… karamihan sa politics at kung ano ‘yung nangyayari,” she said.

(Today is a good day. We had a good discussion about politics… mostly about politics and current events.)

On Friday the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber denied Rodrigo Duterte's request for interim release. 

His family has said that it accepts the decision “with peaceful hearts.” 

“Hindi niya nabanggit kanina, ma’am. Hindi ko na tinake-up,” the vice president said when she asked about her father's reaction to the decision.

(He did not mention anything. I did not bring it up.) —VAL, GMA Integrated News