MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Wednesday asserted that the country’s second-highest official should not be seen as a mere “spare tire” to the president.

OVP spokesperson Ruth Castelo made the statement in response to comments referring to Vice President Sara Duterte as simply a backup to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“All of us here think that the vice president — not necessarily VP Sara Duterte — all VPs are looked at as spare tires. But if you really think about it, the Vice President should be as prepared as the President,” Castelo said.

“Should anything happen to him, who assumes the responsibility? It’s the Vice President,” she added, highlighting the constitutional role of the vice president under the 1987 Constitution.

Castelo further argued that withholding support or funding from the Office of the Vice President could have serious implications for national preparedness.

“Keeping her out of the loop or not being able to provide funds for her projects and programs is a great disservice to the country because if anything happens, the VP is forced to assume the position of the President,” she said.

“…and the services now being delivered by the VP through her office is a way of preparing herself just in case anything happens,” Castelo added.

Vice President Duterte has so far remained silent on her political plans for 2028, previously stating, “I might get killed,” when asked about her intentions.