Zia House leader to VP Sara: ‘Let us not politicize religious affiliation” 

A House leader from Mindanao on Wednesday disappointed over Vice President Sara Duterte’s statements before a muslim community, which tends towards divisiveness and are unconstructive.

House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the Vice President remains the second highest official of the country and has a duty to contribute positively to its progress. 

"The Vice President Duterte should roll up her sleeves and join us in working towards a better future for all Filipinos regardless where areas they’re from or which religious group they belong to,” Adiong, one of the leaders of Young Guns, said.

He urged government officials, including the Vice President, to concentrate on their responsibilities and contribute positively to the nation’s progress.

“It is time to transcend from the usual line of frustrations we normally hear from politicians, especially when elections are just right around the corner and instead use them as a positive force to overturn and overcome these challenges for a more concrete and progressive results,” Adiong further emphasized. 

In a recent message to her supporters in the Muslim community, Duterte criticized the government’s handling of disaster preparedness, healthcare, and law enforcement.

“The Vice President’s statements have a tendency to politicize religious affiliations. We muslims do not deserve that, we are part of this grand march towards progress and not some separate pitiable entity.” Adiong said. 

“This kind of rhetoric only sows division and distracts from the real work that needs to be done,” he added.

Adiong said the Vice President's remarks are disparaging to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., who works tirelessly to address the nation’s challenges.

He stressed the importance of all government officials focusing on constructive actions and solutions.

“Challenges confronting our nations are real and President Bongbong Marcos acknowledges that, that is why walang ginawa ang Presidente kundi magtrabaho nang maibsan ang mga suliranin na ito. It’s unfair on the part of the President to be described that way.” Adiong said.

“The President is tirelessly working to address the challenges our nation faces, from improving infrastructure to enhancing our healthcare system,” he added. “Nakita naman natin na pagkatapos na pagkatapos ng kalamidad, ang Presidente mismo ang nagmamando sa ground zero. He leads from the front”. 

He also highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve disaster resilience and public safety.

“In the House of Representatives under the able leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, we are committed to passing modern laws that address our challenges and ensure resources are used efficiently for all Filipinos,” Adiong pointed out.