DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Malacañang on Tuesday, October 6, of orchestrating an intentional campaign to undermine her credibility amid her pending impeachment case and allegations linked to Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.
Speaking at a press conference at the Office of the Vice President Southern Mindanao Satellite Office in Lanang, Davao City, Duterte directly pointed to the administration as the source of the political political pressure against her.
“Sino ang nasa likod ng paninira sa akin? Administrasyon. Ang Palasyo. Si BBM,” Duterte said.
To support her claims, Duterte referenced official statements from the Office of the President, the ongoing impeachment complaint, reported monetary payouts to lawmakers in exchange for signatures on the complaint, and the recent release of public works projects.
“Makikita nyo naman yung mga declarations, mga statements ng Office of the President, di ba?” Duterte said.
“Nandiyan pa yung impeachment nila, nandoon pa yung akusasyon na merong palitan ng pera sa pagpirma ng mga Congressman sa impeachment complaint, yung later release sa mga projects na hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa nasasagot,” she added.
The Vice President further argued that the administration is utilizing its public communications network to deflect graft concerns onto her rather than addressing issues surrounding the President, while also linking Marcos to the controversial “maleta” incident.
“Kung makikita nyo, ang ginagawa ng communications ng administrasyon, lahat nung bahid ng katiwalian na dapat sagutin ni BBM ay ipinapahid niya sa akin,” Duterte said.
Malacañang rejected the accusations, asserting that the Vice President is simply shifting blame to avoid answering the allegations raised against her. Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that Duterte’s remarks indicate a weak defense.
“Siguro yun talaga yung mangyayari kapag wala ka nang mahanap na pang depensa, magtuturo ka na lang ng iba,” Castro said.
Duterte continues to deny allegations regarding cash deliveries and ties to the Chinese government. Castro maintained that Marcos had no involvement or financial gain in any funds tied to the Dutertes.
“So, ibig sabihin nito, kung may natanggap man silang pera, hindi ang Pangulo ang nakinabang dito. Hindi ang kasalukuyang administrasyon ang nagpasasa sa mga pondong diumanong natanggap nila,” Castro said.
Castro challenged Duterte to present concrete proof and clear explanations instead of deflecting blame toward Malacañang.
“So, ang mangyayari lamang dito: magtuturo sila, wala silang kongkretong ebidensya, at kung mayroon man siyang kakayanan na mag-explain, bakit hindi pa ‘yan nagawa noon?” Castro added.
Addressing claims of foreign influence, Castro emphasized that Marcos remains committed to national sovereignty.
“So, ang Pangulo, lagi niyang itinuturo: Hindi kayang ibenta ng Pangulo ang bansa sa dayuhan. Isa itong karumaldumal na gawain. So, wag natin ‘tong tularan,” Castro said.
Castro added that Duterte herself is responsible for her declining public standing.
“Kung may sumisira man kay Bise Presidente, siya ang may kagagawan nun sa sarili niya,” Castro said.
“Wala naman sisira kay VP Sara, nasa katawan niya na ‘yan. ‘Yang mga pondong ‘yan na sinasabing sa kanila, mapapakita ‘yan sa bank records nila,” she added.
“Wag nilang ipahid sa Pangulo. Dahil ang Pangulo ay hindi nakinabang ni singko sa mga perang diumanong natanggap nila,” Castro warned.
Regarding claims that funding from China was funneled to support foreign-backed destabilization efforts, Castro noted that the issue demands a formal inquiry.
“It is worthy of a thorough investigation, and if it is true, it is dangerous to deal with a manchurian candidate,” Castro said.