After Isang Kaibigan, VP Sara Duterte to Write a Book About a ‘Taksil na Kaibigan’
ISANG KAIBIGAN SEQUEL – Vice President Sara Duterte revealed that she plans to write another book, this time about a treacherous friend. “Abangan ninyo ang susunod kong isusulat na libro tungkol sa pagtataksil ng isang kaibigan,” she stated in the final paragraph of her official response to allegations of plagiarism.
Duterte addressed claims that her children’s book Isang Kaibigan was copied from the children’s book Owly. She denied the allegations, explaining that her story was based on personal experience, making plagiarism unnecessary. “Mga kababayan, Napakadaling sumulat ng maikling kuwento batay sa sariling karanasan, hindi na kailangang mangopya pa,” she said.
She added that the goal of her book project is to inspire children to love reading and to write their own stories. Duterte emphasized that the real issue isn’t the book itself but rather the poor reading skills among the youth.
To recall, it was during the budget hearing for the OVP that Hontiveros questioned the allocation of ₱10 million for the distribution of Isang Kaibigan. She asked for more details about the book and how many copies would be purchased with the allocated funds. Her inquiry hinted at concerns about the propriety of using government resources to distribute a book prominently featuring the Vice President’s name, which could be seen as a political move.
Vice President Sara Duterte responded sharply, accusing Hontiveros of politicizing the budget hearing. She argued that the senator’s problem was not with the book’s content but with the fact that her name was associated with it. Duterte suggested that Hontiveros was implying the book’s distribution could influence voters, as the book would be given to children whose parents are potential voters. Duterte viewed this line of questioning as an attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the OVP’s budget request by framing it as a political tactic.