Vice President Sara Duterte said this year’s Christmas will be a “sad” one for Filipinos as the country continues to confront corruption scandals affecting government agencies.
“Well, malungkot ang Pasko natin dahil hindi natin gusto ang mga nangyayari sa ating bansa, lalong-lalo na yung mga iskandalo sa korapsyon at ‘yung pag-aabuso sa posisyon at mga opisina ng gobyerno,” she told reporters on Friday, December 5.
Duterte, who continues to face unresolved questions over her use of confidential funds, urged Filipinos to remain strong despite the ongoing controversies.
“As Filipinos, we are known to be resilient. Kaya kailangan natin itawid itong Pasko na ito na merong pag-asa sa ating mga puso.”
She also encouraged the public to pray for a better year ahead.
Her remarks come as several government officials have recently been charged with corruption in connection with anomalous flood control projects.