Vice President Sara Duterte did not hold back in criticizing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a protest in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility on Saturday, July 19. Speaking before supporters of her detained father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, she questioned the true nature of Marcos’ leadership.
“At ito tingin ko lang dahil marami talaga ang nagsasabi na hindi siya weak leader, ma’am, nagkukunwari lang siyang mabait,” Duterte said, suggesting that the President only pretends to be kind to gain public favor.
She went on to say, “Ang basa ko sa kanya gusto niyang ipakita na mabait siya na Marcos. Hindi siya tulad noong kanyang tatay, hindi siya yung Marcos na diktador.” According to her, Marcos is trying to project a gentler image, distancing himself from the legacy of his father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The Vice President also lamented the lack of support for her programs from the President, even when they were still on speaking terms. She claimed that while Marcos insists he has no issue with her, his actions—or lack thereof—tell a different story.
“Pero dahil presidente ka, manggagaling pa rin sa iyo ang utos… Hindi gagalaw yan kung walang approval yan ng ulo,” she said, emphasizing the President’s central role in decision-making within the government.
Duterte also called out the current administration for failing to deliver any significant infrastructure projects three years into its term. “Tapos na itong administration na ito. Midterm na sila, tatlong taon na ang lumipas pero wala pa rin tayong nakita,” she said.
She noted that major infrastructure efforts usually span nine years, underscoring the need for continuity—something she believes the current government has failed to provide, despite campaigning on promises of “unity and continuity.”
Joining Duterte in the protest were Senator Robin Padilla, his sibling BB Gandanghari, and lawyer Jimmy Bondoc. The Vice President is expected to remain in The Hague until July 23.
Meanwhile, simultaneous “Free Duterte Now” rallies reportedly took place in several cities across the Philippines, including Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Camarines Sur, and Cagayan de Oro.
