Gabriela Partylist Representative Arlene Elago on Monday criticized Vice President Sara Duterte, saying she lacks the moral authority to lecture the public on corruption due to her alleged misuse of public funds.
“We, in Gabriela Women’s Party, welcome every call for clean and transparent governance, but these words must be matched by unquestionable integrity, not contradicted by one’s own record,” Elago said.
She added: “Vice President Sara Duterte is not in the position to lecture the public on corruption when she herself remains embroiled in serious allegations of misuse of public funds.”
Elago pointed out that Duterte has evaded questions over how the Office of the Vice President spent ₱125 million in confidential funds in just 11 days.
She emphasized the need for leaders who uphold transparency.
“Kung tunay na laban sa korapsyon ang usapan, hindi sapat ang mga mabulaklak na salita. Kung seryoso tayo sa paglilinis ng sistema, dapat magsimula ito sa mga nasa tuktok ng kapangyarihan,” Elago said.
“We will not allow corruption to hide behind grand speeches or recycled slogans. We will fight for full transparency in all branches of government, the abolition of pork barrel funds, and genuine accountability even from the two highest officials in the country,” she added.