VP Sara Duterte: Silence of Holy Week calls for reflection

Vice President Sara Duterte announces her intention to run for the presidency in the 2028 national elections during a press conference at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) headquarters in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte called for deeper reflection from Filipinos this Holy Week.

In a message posted on her social media account, Duterte said the Holy Week is a sacred part of the Filipino identity.

"Ito ay panahon ng pagninilay ng dakilang sakripisyo ng Panginoon—isang pag-aalay ng sarili na nagpapaalala sa atin na ang tunay na kahulugan ng buhay ay matatagpuan sa paglilingkod sa kapwa," she said.

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She called on Filipinos to reflect on their aspirations, be it personal or for the country.

"Ang katahimikan ng mga araw na ito ay nagbibigay-daan sa tapat na pagsusuri ng ating mga mithiin—para sa ating sarili, para sa ating pamilya, at para sa ating bansa," she said.

Duterte also recognized the sacrifice of OFWs in the Middle East in her Holy Week message.

"Kinikilala natin ang sakripisyo ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang ating mga OFWs sa Middle East. Sa gitna ng kaguluhan, hinihiling natin ang kanilang kaligtasan," Duterte said.

"Sila ay mga buhay na halimbawa ng sakripisyo, at hinihiling natin ang kapayapaan sa kanilang kinalalagyan," she added.

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She also called for prayers for truth, justice, and compassion.

"Sa panahong ito ng Kwaresma, isapuso natin ang kapakanan ng ating bansa. Idalangin natin ang isang lipunang pinatatakbo ng katotohanan, katarungan, at tapat na malasakit," she said.

"Nawa'y magsilbing inspirasyon ang aral ng sakripisyo ni Hesus upang tayo ay magkaisa para sa isang matatag at maunlad na Pilipinas," she ended.

MARCOS' HOLY WEEK

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has earlier urged Filipino Catholics to reflect on the sacrifices of Jesus Christ and be of service to others amidst trials this Holy Week. 

“I am one with the entire Filipino people as we take a moment for a brief pause, rest, and reflection during this Holy Week,” he said in a message on Palm Sunday, March 29.

Marcos said he will be spending some time in Ilocos Norte for the Holy Week with his family before going back to Manila this Saturday.

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