Vice President Sara Duterte has called on the Marcos administration to consult with overseas Filipinos in crafting solutions to pressing national issues, particularly flooding.
In an interview during her visit to The Hague, Netherlands, Duterte said that overseas communities should be regarded as “the best consultants” because of their exposure to global systems and practices.
“Siguro dapat gawin nila ‘yung ginagawa ko, diba? Umiikot ako sa iba’t ibang Filipino communities around the world. The overseas Filipinos and the overseas Filipino workers ang pinaka the best na mga consultants, kasi sila ‘yung nakatira, nakaikot sa buong mundo, naka-trabaho sa iba’t ibang lugar. Alam nila ang best practices,” Duterte stressed.
She added that their insights could help identify “doable” strategies for the Philippines. “So anong dapat ginagawa natin? Tinatanong natin sila. Ano ba yung nakita ninyo? Ano ba ‘yung pangarap natin para sa ating bayan? Ano ba ‘yung doable doon sa ating bayan na best practices galing sa, sabihin na natin sa Kuwait, sabihin na natin sa Australia, sabihin na natin sa Netherlands,” she explained.
The Palace, however, responded critically to her remarks. Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro suggested that Duterte first share her ideas with her brother, Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
“Ayaw nyang magbigay ng free advice para sa bansa?! Kung may natutunan na siyang solusyon sa pagsugpo sa problema sa pagbaha sa bansa sa dami ng kanyang byahe, ibigay na nya ang free advice niya kay Acting Mayor Baste ng Davao City,” Castro said. She added, “Abangan na lang natin kung epektibo at kung di na babaha sa kanilang lungsod.”
The debate comes as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. recently revealed that 20% of the ₱545 billion allocated for flood control projects went to just 15 contractors, with five firms handling projects across nearly all regions. Marcos has since ordered lifestyle checks on officials amid ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities in these contracts.
Duterte supported the President’s directive, saying lifestyle checks should cover both elected and appointed officials nationwide.
