Allow me to extend my gratitude to Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and the entire DND organization and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino and the whole of AFP for the positive response and action to the request that a security unit separate from the Presidential Security Group be created and be assigned to the Office of the Vice President.

The activation of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) is commendable as it will resolve the matter of continuity in security for all vice presidents of the Philippines.

This AFP initiative also highlights the importance of having an independent group that will provide all Philippine vice presidents with the necessary security and protection.

That foresight was demonstrated in this activation was likewise highly laudable — that it may be expected to solve the challenges if, in future elections, the vice president and the president face the misfortune of having strained relations.

Thank you very much.

Sara Z. Duterte
Vice President-Elect of the Philippines
June 25, 2022