Vice President Sara Duterte has addressed allegations of plagiarism surrounding her self-authored book, "Isang Kaibigan," which she plans to distribute to young learners.
In a statement released on Wednesday night, Duterte asserted that writing a book based on personal experiences is straightforward, and she does not need to copy from others.
"Napakadaling sumulat ng maikling kwento batay sa sariling karanasan, hindi na kailangang mangopya pa. Ang proyekto ay para mahikayat ang mga bata na mahalin ang pagbabasa at sumulat ng sarili nilang kwento," said Duterte.
"Hindi ang libro ang problema ng bayan kundi ang kahinaan sa pagbabasa ng ating kabataan," she added.
Her remarks came in response to a book circulating on social media that allegedly bears a close resemblance to hers. The book in question is "Owly: The Way Home" by Andy Runton, a children's story about Owly, a kind-hearted owl who helps repair the homes of friends damaged by a storm.
Duterte concluded her statement by announcing plans to write another book, this time about a friend's betrayal.
"Abangan ninyo ang susunod kong isusulat na libro tungkol sa pagtataksil ng isang kaibigan," Duterte noted.
The controversy escalated during a Senate hearing on Tuesday about the proposed 2025 budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
During the hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned the content of "Isang Kaibigan" and inquired how many copies would be distributed under its P10 million budget.
Duterte responded by accusing Hontiveros of politicizing the government's budget. She claimed that the senator's concerns were tied to her name appearing as the author, implying that parents of the children who receive the book could be potential voters. Duterte then pledged to provide a copy to everyone present at the session.
Senator Hontiveros expressed her disappointment, stating, "Hindi ko maintindihan ‘yung ugali ng ating resource person. Paulit-ulit na this is politicizing. Ang VP ang nagbanggit ng salitang boboto. Wala akong sinabing boboto. We’re making so much trouble, so much fuss about a P10-million item that I’m asking. What is the book about?”
Duterte countered by recalling that Hontiveros had sought her help during the 2016 elections to secure several barangays in Davao. However, Duterte said that after Hontiveros won, she was among the first to criticize her father former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, intervened to clarify that the Senate's inquiry was objective and focused on understanding the book's content.
"The explanation is in the title, ‘Isang Kaibigan’. It’s about friendship,” Duterte responded.
Hontiveros concluded by reminding Duterte that the inquiry was about public funds, stating, "This is public funds and we are making inquiries about them. Budget hearing po ito. Hindi po lahat about you. Pera po ito ng taumbayan."
