Manila: House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V on Tuesday challenged Vice President Sara Z. Duterte to resign first and 'set an example' after she demanded that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. step down. Ortega made this statement during a press briefing at the Senate, suggesting that Duterte could reduce her current problems by resigning first.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ortega was reacting to Duterte's call for Marcos to resign and the President's subsequent response, which indicated that affection cannot be forced. Ortega remarked, "As painful as it is to admit, you really cannot force someone to love you. We all know that, right?" This comment was in reference to the President's response, "You cannot force anyone to love you."

In a twist of events, Ortega turned Duterte's resignation demand back on her, suggesting that she should first do what she was asking of President Marcos. When asked by reporters whether he was formally calling on Duterte to resign, Ortega clarified that it was not a formal call but rather a challenge to 'set an example.'

Further pressed on whether his comments were a call or a challenge, Ortega replied, "Let's just say it's a challenge." He also questioned Duterte's motives for demanding Marcos' resignation when she would be the one to benefit, as the Vice President would succeed the President should the office become vacant. Ortega critiqued, "If you make the President resign, who benefits? The Vice President, right?"

Under the Constitution, the vice president automatically assumes the presidency in the event of the president's death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation. Ortega reiterated his challenge, stating, "She should just resign first, since she was the one who thought of making President BBM resign. You may quote me on that."

Duterte is currently facing trial before the Senate impeachment court on four Articles of Impeachment. These include alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, grave threats, and alleged bribery involving Department of Education officials.