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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider VP Sara hits PBBM for insincere action vs corruption

VP Sara hits PBBM for insincere action vs corruption

Published Sep 19, 2025 04:43 pm
DUTERTE (FB)
DUTERTE (FB)
DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte criticized President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his allies in Congress on Thursday, Sept. 18, for insincere action against corruption in the national budget and flood control projects.
Speaking to reporters during the Talakudong Festival in Tacurong City, Vice President Duterte said the President had long been aware of anomalies in the budget but only spoke up after Filipinos were severely affected by flooding.
“The President reacted too late. I already warned in 2024 about the misuse of funds in the Education department. I’m sure it is not just there, but it also happens in the public works and other agencies,” Vice President Duterte said in Filipino.
She accused the administration of resorting to controlled investigations through a commission while ignoring allegations against lawmakers such as Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and former House Speaker Martin R. Romualdez.
The Vice President said these officials knew the budget was being split to fund flood control and it is easy to check if those projects exist.
Vice President Duterte claimed such a move was a political maneuver orchestrated by their allies. She alleged that the recent developments were linked to the 2028 presidential race and the 2026 national budget.
“This is just a race for 2028 and preparation for how they will again mangle the 2026 budget. That is their only focus,” she said, accusing the administration of insincerity, citing how, despite naming individuals, they took no decisive actions.
Vice President Duterte said she was disappointed for being sidelined in key national decisions and felt bad for the country because they set aside someone who only wanted to work for the country and the Filipino people.
“You saw me in Davao City. I only wanted progress and order because that’s where I live and my children will grow up,” she said as she denied any intention to grab power.
The Vice President reiterated that she is not interested in the presidency. “They should not feel insecure about me,” she said, adding that insecurity may be driving “abnormal thinking” within the administration.
Vice President Duterte pointed to an unresolved hair follicle drug test issue, which she said raised doubts about the judgment of national leaders. “You are the President. This is your moment to fix the country,” she said.

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Vice President Sara Duterte President Marcos Corruption
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