Vice President Sara Duterte has resigned from Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) only months after being reelected as the party's chairperson.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte (File photo)

Duterte made the announcement early Friday morning, May 19, days after former president and Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is the Lakas-CMD chairman emeritus, was replaced as senior deputy speaker at the House of Representatives.

In a statement, Duterte said she was grateful for the party that supported her vice-presidential bid in the 2022 polls.

"This is to announce my irrevocable resignation as a Lakas-CMD member effective today," she said.

"I am grateful to all the party members for the support that also once demonstrated that unity is possible to advance our shared dreams for our fellow Filipinos and our beloved country," she added.

Read the Vice President’s statement here: @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/Ij6DCHPhin

— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyll_mb) May 18, 2023

Despite this, the Vice President, who also serves as Education secretary, assured the public that her commitment to serve the country will remain unchanged and that she will continue working with President Marcos.

"Nothing is more important to me than being able to meaningfully serve our fellow Filipinos and the Philippines — with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr leading the way. Trust that my word, my commitment will be immutable," Duterte said.

She said she would not let the recent developments distract her from her duties of serving Filipinos and asked her fellow leaders to do the same.

"I am here today because of the trust of the Filipino people in me to lead and serve them and the country, and this cannot be poisoned by political toxicity or undermined by execrable political powerplay," Duterte stated.

"I call on all leaders to focus on the work that must be done and leave a legacy of a strong and stable homeland," she added.