Vice President Sara Duterte launched a scathing critique against the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, attributing the country’s economic struggles to a lack of leadership and an obsession with political infighting.
Addressing supporters in The Hague, Duterte argued that the government has abandoned its duty to govern in favor of orchestrating political attacks.
“As expected, kasi hindi naman nagtatrabaho ‘yung buong administration lalong-lalo na ang Pangulo,” she remarked.
The Vice President’s statements followed a Bureau of the Treasury report showing national debt hit ₱18.49 trillion in March, up from February’s ₱18.16 trillion.
Simultaneously, the Philippine Statistics Authority noted that 2.58 million Filipinos remain unemployed. Duterte insisted that these figures are the direct result of a distracted presidency.
“Ang dapat na ginagawa mo, tinututukan mo iyong trabaho mo. At kapag hindi mo tinutukan iyong trabaho mo, ganyan ‘yung nangyayari. Tumataas ang unemployment, nangungutang tayo ng nangungutang,” she added.
Malacañang quickly countered the allegations, asserting that the current debt crisis is a legacy of the previous administration.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters in Cebu that borrowing is a standard practice to fund public assistance, while also taking a jab at the Vice President’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Tandaan po natin, lumaki ang utang hindi po sa panahon ngayon lamang. Lumaki ang utang dahil namana po ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang napakalaking utang na nakuha ni dating pangulong Duterte at ito ay napabayaan ‘di umano dahil sa mga pang-aabuso sa Pharmally at sa mga ghost projects noon ng Build, Build, Build,” Castro said.
Duterte also condemned what she perceives as a crackdown on free speech, describing officials who target critics as “sensitive, insecure, and afraid.”
She dismissed the ongoing impeachment talks against her, claiming some lawmakers are merely using her name for financial and political gain.
“Madami ang pumipera gamit ang pangalan ko,” she claimed.
The Vice President concluded by dismissing the relevance of Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, warning that the official’s conduct could damage the Philippines’ international reputation.
“Ibig sabihin, ‘yung buong mundo na nanunuod at nakikinig para bang mag-iisip sila na parang kawawa naman itong Pilipinas. Kasi ganito ‘yung tagapagsalita,” Duterte said.