Vice President Sara Duterte declared on Monday, September 7, that the heaviest burden she faces stems from her perceived inadequacy in easing the hardships of the Filipino people rather than the pending legal cases and impeachment trial arrayed against her.
Duterte delivered the remarks in a video statement expressing gratitude to supporters who sent prayers and messages of encouragement amid what she termed as ongoing “political harassment” orchestrated by the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Ang totoong pressure ay ang kahihiyan na napakaliit ng aking naitutulong sa pagdurusa ninyo ngayon,”
She attributed the country’s social and economic difficulties—ranging from widespread flooding and hunger to relentless inflation—directly to the current leadership.
“Sa bawat paglangoy ninyo sa baha, sa kagutuman ng inyong mga anak, sa hirap na dinaranas ninyo dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin, at iba’t ibang pasaning dulot ng administrasyon ni Marcos—nararamdaman kong hindi sapat ang aking nagagawa upang maibsan ang inyong paghihirap,”
Acknowledging the overwhelming volume of supportive messages she has received, Duterte admitted she could not respond to every individual but reaffirmed her sole reliance on public trust despite the political pressure.
“Sa taumbayan lamang ang tiwala ko, at malaki ang aking pasasalamat dahil patuloy ang inyong pagtitiwala sa kabila ng walang tigil na political harassment mula sa administrasyon ni Marcos,”
She further advised her supporters to remain calm and steadfast in the face of the active impeachment proceedings against her.
“Gusto kong ipaabot sa inyong lahat na hindi ninyo kailangang mag-alala at huwag kayong ma-pressure,”
The Vice President claimed that President Marcos holds sway over state institutions, key legal officers, and law enforcement, but noted that a formidable defense team of lawyers is assisting her in contesting the complaints.
“Hawak man ni Marcos ang mga senador, fiscal, huwes, at mga pulis, napakaraming abogado naman ang tumutulong sa akin upang ipaglaban at mapanalo ang mga kasong ito,”
Duterte added that being part of a government where leaders allegedly prioritize personal gain over public welfare exacerbates the pressure she experiences daily.
“Ang totoong pressure ay ang maging isang opisyal ng gobyerno habang nakikita ko na si Marcos at ang ilan pang mga opisyal ay tila sariling interes lamang ang inuuna, sa halip na kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino,”
Pointing to macroeconomic indicators, she highlighted the local currency’s sharp depreciation against the US dollar.
“Ang totoong pressure ay ang makasaysayan na pagbagsak ng halaga ng piso kontra dolyar, na ngayon ay nasa ₱62.77 na,”
She concluded by underscoring the broader erosion of civic confidence in state institutions.
“Ang totoong pressure ay ang nawala ninyong tiwala sa pamahalaan,”
Duterte’s statement comes as she navigates active impeachment proceedings alongside multiple legal challenges, shifting public attention toward economic strain and national governance issues.