Sara's book plagiarized? Risa to block P10-M budget

Social media and online forums were abuzz yesterday after claims circulated that the picture book authored by Vice President Sara Duterte bore strong similarities to the story in a children's book written by an American author.

- JANVIC MATEO

Following the heated argument between Duterte and Sen. Risa Hontiveros over the proposed P10-million budget for the printing of Duterte's book "Isang Kaibigan," renowned author Ninotchka Rosca posted the cover of the children's book "Owly: Just a Little Blue" written by Andy Runton.

Rosca captioned the post with the book's description: “Owly Just a Little Blue is the second book in the graphic novel Owly series by Andy Runton. Owly discovers a new bluebird and decides to build a home to help it. It’s not an easy task to build or to make friends with the new bird family. But, Owly is determined and kind.”

“Ay, natawa ako (I laughed),” she added, as Rosca’s post fueled allegations that Duterte’s book was plagiarized.

But the OVP, through its spokesman Michael Poa, denied that Duterte’s book was plagiarized.

“The book has a copyright registration and it has been registered since December 2023,” Poa told reporters.

Launched in November 2023, “Isang Kaibigan” is a 16page picture book that tells the story of friendship between an owl and a parrot. The parrot helps the owl rebuild its nest after it is damaged by a storm.

Meanwhile, “Owly: Just a Little Blue” follows the story of an owl and a worm as they help build a home for a bluebird family living in a damaged tree.

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