Duterte Criticizes Marcos Administration for Foreign Allegiances
In a recent statement, Vice President Sara Duterte criticized the Marcos administration for allegedly serving the interests of foreign entities, including the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC is currently investigating her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, for crimes against humanity related to the casualties in his controversial war on drugs.
Duterte expressed her gratitude to various Muslim tribes in Davao City, including the Iranun, Kagan, Maguindanao, Maranao, Sama, and Tausug. These groups had openly declared their support for her and offered to protect her family. However, despite their encouragement, she emphasized that her personal safety is not her primary concern at this moment; rather, it is the ”safety of the country” that takes precedence.
Speaking out against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—who was her running mate in the 2022 election—Duterte argued that the Philippines should be governed by individuals who possess genuine concern for the nation and the capability to ensure clean leadership and the nation’s prosperity. She remarked, ”The Philippines is being led by people who lack the honesty needed to fulfill their sworn duty. This is why we are experiencing fear for our children.”
Duterte was also vocal about the government’s inadequacies, particularly its acknowledgment of the absence of a flood-control master plan. She criticized the government for failing to address the increasing frequency of storms each year. Additionally, she condemned the decision to transfer remaining funds from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to non-health-related uses, which she believes undermines public health.
Further, she took aim at the House of Representatives for their failure to pass legislation aimed at alleviating the ongoing shortage of police personnel. According to Duterte, the increase in the population, combined with a lack of funding for hiring new officers, exacerbates the problem. She asserted, ”To fully address the shortage, we need representatives who understand the importance of leveraging technology. Policemen should have access to advanced security tools that don’t require their physical presence all the time.”
The Vice President also called out airport officials for their lack of commitment to providing a world-class facility that ensures the security and privacy of passengers. She highlighted the recent incident where sensitive airport footage, including flight details and personal information of travelers—some being minors—was leaked. This incident coincided with her trip to Dubai and subsequently to Germany amid the harsh conditions of Typhoon Carina.
In response to Duterte’s comments, several lawmakers urged her to focus on her responsibilities as Vice President. Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong remarked, ”Vice President Duterte should roll up her sleeves and join us in working toward a better future for all Filipinos, regardless of their backgrounds or religious affiliations.” He cautioned that her statements risk politicizing religious divisions, adding, ”We Muslims do not deserve that. We are part of this grand march toward progress and not some separate pitiable entity. Such rhetoric only sows division and distracts from the real work that needs to be done.”
As political tensions rise, it remains to be seen how these criticisms will impact the dynamics within the current administration and the broader context of national governance.
