Vice President Sara Duterte voiced her frustrations after appearing at a House panel inquiry on the budget use of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd). In a candid interview, she declared, “I do not expect fairness from this government. Truly. That’s why I’m hesitant about court cases.”
On Injustice and Harassment
Duterte shared a striking example to highlight her point. She referred to the sudden discharge of her chief-of-staff, lawyer Zuleika Lopez, from hospital detention after being cited for contempt during the inquiry. “Where’s the justice in that? Saan ang hustisya dito?” she asked.
The Vice President also criticized the government for dismissing her complaints about threats she had received in the past. While national security concerns are raised for the President, she said, “Apparently, threats to the Vice President are not considered important. Isn’t the Vice President part of the government? Don’t I serve all Filipinos?”
On Political Persecution
Duterte labeled the situation as “clear political harassment and persecution.” She expressed deep mistrust, adding, “We don’t trust anyone in this country anymore. We don’t expect justice.”
Her frustrations were amplified during the recent controversy over her “kill” remark at a media conference, sparking an investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Ready to Face Questions
Despite her misgivings, Duterte stated she’s ready to answer the NBI’s questions—on one condition: “They should also answer mine.”
When asked if she planned to escalate her grievances to the Supreme Court, Duterte remained skeptical, saying, “We don’t trust the system anymore.”
A Call for Fairness
Duterte’s comments reflect a deeper tension between her office and the current government. As she faces investigations and criticism, her message was clear: she feels targeted, sidelined, and betrayed by the very system she serves.
Her remarks have sparked intense reactions across the country, raising questions about the dynamics of Philippine politics and governance.
