Strained relations?

The AFP recently “activated” a new unit whose sole duty is to protect and ensure the safety and security of incoming Vice President Sara Duterte Carpio. It is like the Presidential Security Group (PSG) which guards the president. So, this would be the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG). Many commented why the AFP only gave this privilege to Sara Duterte when it was not offered to previous vice presidents. Surely, they would not have given it to Vice President Robredo.

Sara Duterte immediately issued a statement. She admitted there was a “request” for the formation of the group "in anticipation of ‘future elections’ and the possibility of ‘strained relations’ under that scenario between the president and vice president." What are these “future elections”? 2028? Or are there other "future elections" to be held? As of this writing, both have not officially assumed their positions in government when "strained relations" have already been brought up. Is trouble brewing in paradise? Sara Duterte did have her own separate inauguration.

This is very telling. First, it shows how powerful and influential Sara Duterte is with the AFP “activating” her security and protection group. I wonder if the VPSPG unit was always there but never “activated” for past vice presidents. Remember she wanted to be secretary of Defense but was given the education portfolio instead by President-elect Bongbong Marcos Jr. I will not be surprised if Sara’s strong influence on both the PNP and AFP is because of her father’s nurturing of both the police and soldiers. Second, I do not understand the statement “the possibility of strained relations under that scenario between the president and vice president”. Is that a possibility even as they ran and won as a team, the first in years? Is Sara Duterte already looking at 2028 or even 2025? The Marcos camp has remained silent on this development, but I would be wary of such a statement coming from his vice president.

The VPSPG is said to be a group separate from the PSG. On social media, reactions are rife on the two highest officials of the land someday headed on a collision course. It was entertaining to read through the reactions, with so many scenarios being offered by the internet experts. Is there a possibility the PSG and VPSPG will end up at opposite ends of a fight? Which is why Sara Duterte had to be given her security group? Are there scenarios that could take place when both are officially serving their terms in office? People will be watching the developments between Marcos and Duterte. They cannot be blamed for all the speculation brought up by this “activation” of the VPSPG.