Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly declared she harbors no personal resentment toward President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.—but she made it clear her issues lie with how he’s leading the country.
Speaking during a rally with Filipino supporters in Melbourne, Australia, on Sunday, Duterte said, “I have no ill feelings with him with regard to the political persecution that I am receiving from the administration because that is part of the life of a politician.” However, she went on to say, “I have problems with his performance as president and I have problems with the violations of our fundamental law, our constitution, particularly with the rendition of former President [Rodrigo] Duterte. That was really an affront to Philippine sovereignty.”
The Vice President’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, was recently transferred to The Hague on the order of the International Criminal Court. His camp has since claimed he was “kidnapped” and wrongfully taken to stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity.
Despite saying she doesn’t take the matter personally, Sara Duterte launched strong criticism at the President, accusing him of inconsistencies and unfulfilled promises. “He has not followed through with any of his campaign promises… Well, ‘budol’ in English is ‘scam,’ no? We’re not surprised. He has the hallmark of a scammer,” she said.
Duterte also confirmed she would not be attending Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (SONA) next month, saying it would be a waste of time. “It would be best to spend that time with the Filipino community, discussing what we can do for the country and to improve the country,” she explained.
