Vice President Sara Duterte addressed the recent wave of youth-led and nationwide protests, asserting that the so-called destabilization does not originate from the people but from within the administration itself.
During a press conference in Zamboanga City on Tuesday, October 14, Duterte downplayed allegations that the demonstrations were part of an organized effort to destabilize the government.
“‘Yong destabilization, nanggagaling lang naman ‘yan sa administration, e,” she began.
“Wala namang destabilization na nagyayari, e. Nagsasalita lang ‘yong mga tao at nai-insecure o natatakot lang ‘yong administration sa lakas ng boses ng mga tao,” the Vice President explained.
She stressed that expressing dissent or frustration is a normal exercise of freedom, not an attempt to overthrow the government.
“Pero sa totoo lang, walang nagpaplano ng destabilisasyon. Normal ang pagpapahayag ng isang tao sa kaniyang nararamdaman,” Duterte said.
The Vice President added that if there were indeed groups plotting to unseat the administration, it would likely be among leftist organizations.
“So kung mayroon mang grupo na nagmi-meeting para pabagsakin ang administrasyon, Makabayan ‘yon. Wala nang iba,” she asserted.
Duterte went on to clarify that most people joining the protests are not planning to oust the President or disrupt governance, but merely expressing their outrage over current issues.
“Lahat ng iba d’yan, wala nang meeting d’yan. Nagpapahayag lang sila ng nararamdaman nila na galit sa pangyayari. Wala silang sinabing iba na oust or paggawa ng masama sa Presidente o panggulo sa gobyerno, wala,” she said.
“Nagsasalita lang ‘yan, lahat ng mga tao, nagsasabi lang sila ng mga galit nila. Nagsasabi lang kami, tayo sa galit natin,” Duterte concluded.