Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday firmly denied any involvement in efforts to destabilize the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., emphasizing her commitment to the rule of law despite her sharp criticisms of the current government.
Speaking to reporters, Duterte dismissed speculation that various groups are urging her to lead a revolt or overthrow the sitting president.
“Wala sa aking mga kamay ang pagsasagawa ng extra-constitutional means to overthrow the current administration. At hindi ko din gusto ‘yun,” Duterte stated, adding, “Hindi ko gusto agawin ‘yung posisyon ni Bongbong Marcos.”
The Vice President clarified that her vocal opposition to the administration aligns with her constitutional mandate. As the next in line to the presidency, she stated that her primary duty is to protect the nation’s highest law.
“Ako, I am the constitutional successor, I am the next in line ayon sa ating constitution. At meron akong sinumpaan noong ako ay nag-assume ng office of the Vice President at nakalagay doon that I will preserve and defend the Constitution,” she explained.
When questioned about intelligence reports suggesting that retired military personnel had approached her to spearhead an uprising, Duterte dismissed the idea.
She remarked that she prefers the public to personally witness and judge the administration’s performance until the end of its term.
“Gusto ko makita ng taong bayan hanggang sa dulo kung gaano ka walanghiya si BBM,” she remarked.
In a separate Independence Day message addressed to the public, as well as members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, Duterte highlighted that threats to national sovereignty come from within the government, not just from outside forces.
“Ang mensahe ko sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan… Ang kalayaan natin at ang soberanya natin, hindi siya nawawala sa mga foreign invaders lamang. Hindi siya sa pagsakop lamang ng mga foreign invaders,” she said.
Duterte argued that true freedom is compromised by systemic corruption, claiming that illegal activities within the highest levels of government directly harm the citizenry.
“Nawawala din siya kapag ‘yung mga matataas na opisyal ng ating pamahalaan. Kasama na ang Pangulo ay mala-sindikato sa pagnanakaw ng pera ng bayan,” she asserted.