Vice President Sara Duterte showcased the natural attractions of Palawan in a social media post on Saturday, September 12, featuring her visit to Bato ni Ningning in San Vicente.
Duterte said she visited the landmark in Barangay Sto. Niño last August and was impressed by the cool breeze and scenic view of the town’s coastline.
“Labis ang aking kasiyahan na mapuntahan at masilayan, noong mga nakaraang buwan, ang Bato ni Ningning sa Barangay Sto. Niño, na dinarayo ng maraming turista dahil sa preskong hangin at napakagandang tanawin,” Duterte said.
Her tourism-focused post came a day after the Quezon City Regional Trial Court postponed her arraignment on three counts of grave threats.
The delay followed a motion from Duterte’s legal team seeking the inhibition of the presiding judge. The prosecution was given time to respond to the motion.
The criminal charges arose from statements Duterte allegedly made during an online press conference in November 2024. Prosecutors said she claimed to have hired someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez if she “herself were killed.”
The court previously determined that probable cause existed to pursue the charges and issued an arrest warrant against Duterte on September 4. She later posted ₱360,000 in bail.
The remarks are also cited in the allegations against Duterte in her impeachment case, although the criminal proceedings and impeachment proceedings are separate cases being handled by different institutions.
DUTERTE URGES SUPPORT FOR LOCAL TOURISM
In her post, Duterte focused on San Vicente’s scenic attractions and encouraged Filipinos to explore destinations within the country.
She said Bato ni Ningning provides visitors with a striking view of San Vicente’s coastal areas.
“Matatanaw mula rito ang nakamamanghang kagandahan ng mga baybayin ng San Vicente, na kabilang sa mga kilalang destinasyon sa buong Palawan,” she said.
Duterte also promoted domestic travel, saying visits to provinces can help strengthen tourism and provide economic opportunities for local communities.
“Lagi kong sinasabi at ipinagmamalaki na sa ating bansang Pilipinas makikita ang ilan sa mga pinakamagagandang lugar at baybayin sa buong mundo,” she said.
“Ang ating pagbisita sa mga lalawigan ay isa sa mga pamamaraan upang maisulong ang lokal na turismo at makatulong sa lokal na ekonomiya ng isang lugar,” Duterte added.