Vice President Sara Duterte emphasized the importance of forgiveness during the holiday season but candidly admitted she would not extend it to those who have wronged her.
“Ang Pasko po ay panahon ng pagpapatawad, pagmamahalan, at pagbibigay,” Duterte said on December 3 during a gift-giving activity organized by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in Ifugao. However, she noted, “Kung ako, hindi po talaga ako magpapatawad.”
Duterte added that forgiveness varies from person to person. “Nasa sa inyo na ‘yan kung magpapatawad kayo. Mayroon sa ating mabilis magpatawad, mayroon sa ating matagal, at mayroon sa ating dinadala na sa hukay ang galit.”
The Vice President did not elaborate on who she refuses to forgive, but her statement comes at a time when she faces two impeachment complaints. Civil society groups, activists, and former lawmakers have accused her of corruption and betrayal of public trust, particularly concerning the OVP and Department of Education’s (DepEd) controversial use of confidential funds.
One complaint highlights the alleged misuse of ₱775 million in confidential funds, including ₱125 million reportedly liquidated in just 11 days in late 2022. Critics, including former lawmaker Teddy Casiño and Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña, described these actions as a betrayal of public trust. “The Filipino people deserve a vice president who is ethical, accountable, and committed to public service,” Cendaña said.
The Vice President’s remarks also come amid a publicized rift with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., with whom she shared the UniTeam banner during the 2022 elections. The fallout has sparked heated exchanges, including Duterte’s controversial claim that she contracted a hitman to target Marcos and his allies if she were assassinated.
Duterte previously accused the Marcos family of corruption and labeled their political relationship “toxic.” She even threatened to exhume the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s remains if attacks against her did not cease.
