In an apparent swipe at the current administration, Vice President Sara Duterte criticized leaders who are heavily affected by public criticism, saying officials who react strongly to ordinary citizens are “sensitive, insecure, and afraid,” while also blaming poor governance for rising unemployment and the increasing national debt in the Philippines.

In a video interview released by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Friday, May 8, Duterte said public criticism and social media attacks are part of public service and should not distract government officials from governance, peace, and economic development.

“Masyadong sensitive ang mga ganyan na mga tao na apektado sa opinyon ng ordinaryong mamamayan — sensitive, insecure, and takot (Those kinds of people are too sensitive — affected by the opinions of ordinary citizens, they become sensitive, insecure, and fearful),” Duterte said in an interview on May 7 in The Hague when asked to comment on the administration’s moves against individuals allegedly spreading fake news involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Earlier this month, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested former broadcaster Jay Sonza over allegations that he spread false medical information questioning Marcos’ fitness to perform his duties as President.

Sonza was arrested based on a warrant issued by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court in connection with criminal charges filed in February against him and fellow vlogger Jeffrey Celiz, also known as Ka Eric Celiz.

In April, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) endorsed affidavits to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for investigation and possible legal action against three social media vloggers, including Iloy Bugris, for allegedly posting fabricated claims about the President’s health.

“That is the power of the individuals they are going after. Takot sila sa kanila (They are afraid of them),” Duterte added.

Duterte stressed that the President and other government officials should prioritize peace, economic stability, and national development rather than reacting to social media criticism.

“Kapag pangulo ka na, hindi na mahalaga kung ano ‘yung atake sa iyo ng mga mamamayan kasi kasama ’yan sa trabaho mo (Once you are President, it no longer matters what criticisms people throw at you because that comes with the job),” Duterte said.

“Dapat ang tinututukan mo ay kung paano maging mapayapa at maunlad ang bayan. Yan ‘yung dapat na tinututukan mo, hindi ‘yung kung anong sinasabi ng mga tao (What you should focus on is how to make the nation peaceful and prosperous. That is what deserves your attention, not what people are saying),” she added.

The Vice President also criticized the Marcos administration for worsening economic conditions, saying government officials have failed to fulfill their responsibilities.

“As expected, kasi hindi naman nagtatrabaho ‘yung buong administration, lalong-lalo na ang Pangulo. Kaya nga sabi ko, pag ikaw Pangulo ka na, hindi mo na iniisip kung anong sinasabi ng mga ordinaryong mamamayan (As expected, the entire administration is not really working, especially the President. That’s why I said, once you become President, you no longer think about what ordinary citizens are saying),” she added.

Duterte said government officials should focus on governance rather than targeting individuals airing grievances online.

“Hahabulin mo pa ba ‘yung mga nasa social media, nasa Facebook, na naglalabas ng kanilang mga hinaing at galit? (Will you still chase after those on social media, on Facebook, who are voicing their grievances and anger?),” she said.

She also linked poor governance to rising unemployment and continued government borrowing.

“Ang dapat na ginagawa mo, tinututukan mo iyong trabaho mo at kapag hindi mo tinutukan iyong trabaho mo, ganyan ‘yung nangyayari — tumataas ang unemployment, nangungutang tayo nang nangungutang (What you should be doing is focusing on your work because when you don’t focus on your work, this is what happens — unemployment rises, and we keep borrowing and borrowing),” Duterte added.

Duterte is currently in the Netherlands, where former President Rodrigo Duterte is facing proceedings before the International Criminal Court over allegations tied to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.