MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte addressed the plagiarism issues plaguing her self-authored children’s book, “Isang Kaibigan” denying such accusations because writing such books is easy.
In a statement released Wednesday, the Vice President said such allegations were simply a form of defamation.
“Napakadaling sumulat ng maikling kwento batay sa sariling karanasan, hindi na kailangan mangopya pa,” she said.
“Ang proyekto ay para mahikayat ang mga bata na mahalin ang pagbabasa at sumulat ng sariling kwento,” she said.
She noted that books aren’t the problem but the weakness in reading.
As if a taunt to her critics, Duterte promised to write another book with an opposing value.
“Abangan ninyo ang kasunod kong isusulat na libro tungkol sa pagtataksil ng isang kaibigan,” she said.
Image: Inday Sara Duterte | Facebook
Plagiarism rumors
Duterte faced plagiarism rumors when social media users noticed that her book shared some similarities with another children’s book from the US, the 2005 series Owly written and illustrated by American writer and artist Andy Runton.
Owly is a series of illustrated novels that tells the story of an owl named “Owly” who always makes friends and does good to others. He overcomes all obstacles and does not get fazed with challenges.
“Isang Kaibigan” is about an owl named “Kwago” who gets into trouble when his nest was ravaged by a typhoon. Despite being friendly, no one came to help in time of need.
