Lawmakers Criticize VP Sara Duterte’s Remarks on Government

MANILA, Philippines - Two lawmakers have expressed their discontent with Vice President Sara Duterte following her recent criticisms of the government, with one legislator urging her to refrain from intertwining religion with politics.

Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur's 1st District voiced his disappointment on Wednesday regarding Duterte's comments directed at the Muslim community, which he believes promote division. He was referring to the Vice President's statements in which she condemned the government for allowing hunger to persist among Filipinos, attributing the issue to deceptive officials.

“The Vice President’s remarks risk politicizing religious identities. We Muslims do not deserve to be portrayed as a separate, marginalized group; we are part of the collective effort toward progress,” Adiong stated. “Such rhetoric only serves to create division and distracts from the essential work that needs to be accomplished.”

Adiong further encouraged Duterte to actively participate in efforts to improve the lives of all Filipinos, regardless of their background or faith.

In a separate statement on Thursday, Manila 6th District Rep. Joel Chua questioned Duterte's claims of being a champion for the masses, suggesting that she lacks tangible achievements to back her assertions. 

Chua emphasized that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) should not receive leniency when its proposed budget for 2025 is discussed in the House of Representatives. “When the OVP budget is reviewed, it must be scrutinized thoroughly. The Vice President should be held accountable for every peso spent,” he asserted, criticizing her for making vague promises without providing substantial details.

He also pointed out Duterte's absence during critical moments, such as the Philippine Coast Guard's confrontations with Chinese forces and the recent impacts of Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.

Duterte had recently thanked Muslim tribes from Davao City for their support after she raised concerns about the withdrawal of 75 police officers assigned to her security. She emphasized that her priority lies not in her personal security but in the nation's prosperity.

However, several lawmakers urged Duterte to refrain from political posturing, clarifying that the withdrawn police officers would be reassigned to enhance patrols and operations in Metro Manila. Chua highlighted that the reduction in her security detail was not a depletion but merely a scaling back.

Former lawmaker Barry Gutierrez, who served as spokesperson for the OVP under former Vice President Leni Robredo, noted that Duterte's current security detail remains significantly larger than Robredo's.

Rep. Dan Fernandez, who leads the House committee on public order and safety, echoed concerns about the size of Duterte's security team, which reportedly includes 400 military personnel.

Similarly, Reps. Jay Khonghun and Francisco Paolo Ortega urged Duterte to address her absence during the recent typhoon and monsoon impacts, as well as the controversial confidential funds allocated to the OVP in 2022.

The OVP has yet to respond to inquiries from media outlets regarding these criticisms.

Read: VP Sara Duterte Criticizes Government: "Filipinos Deserve Better"

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