MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte asserted that securing the presidency is not the ultimate goal of her political career, challenging citizens to push for stronger institutional accountability and higher standards of governance.
Addressing business leaders at the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel on Tuesday, October 13, Duterte emphasized that the nation’s progress should not hinge on a single individual.
She noted that her personal struggles against political pressure have only deepened her commitment to demanding better public service.
“Whether or not I become the next President of our country remains to be seen. Hindi natin alam,” Duterte said. “And perhaps my purpose has always been bigger than the position itself,” she added.
Reflecting on recent political controversies, Duterte expressed resilience against external pressures.
“Not because I am indestructible. Not because I am invincible. But because I refuse to let adversity define me. I refuse to let intimidation silence me. And I refuse to let political pressure weaken me,” she stated.
She urged citizens to look beyond individual leaders and actively shape the nation’s trajectory.
“That is why the future of our country should never depend on whether one person becomes President. It must depend on a people who know what they want for their country—and who refuse to settle for anything less,” she said.
During her speech, Duterte pointed to deeply rooted systemic issues, including corruption, soaring living costs, widespread poverty, lack of decent employment, and substandard healthcare and education.
She stressed that systemic corruption depletes vital resources, while inflation severely strains everyday families.
“The rising cost of living continues to put enormous pressure on Filipino families,” Duterte noted, highlighting expenses tied to food, utilities, and housing. She also emphasized that economic figures mean little if ordinary citizens cannot experience genuine improvements in their daily lives.
“Economic growth means little if it exists only in statistics but cannot be felt in the lives of ordinary people,” she concluded, calling on the government to ensure its policies yield tangible and meaningful results.