VP Sara Duterte Criticizes Government: "Filipinos Deserve Better"

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday criticized the Philippine government, including the House of Representatives, for its alleged failure to address critical issues in health, security, infrastructure, and foreign interference.

In a detailed statement addressed to the Muslim community, Duterte expressed her concern that the country is being led by officials who lack commitment to their duties.

"The Philippines should be governed by individuals who genuinely care and have the capability to promote clean governance and national progress. However, we are currently led by those who lack loyalty to their sworn responsibilities, resulting in a pervasive fear for the future of our children," Duterte stated.

The Vice President highlighted the government's inadequacies, particularly in infrastructure to prevent disasters and a healthcare system that effectively serves the people.

"Airport officials should aim to achieve world-class facilities that prioritize the security and privacy of all passengers, especially minors. However, our current officials remain silent on security threats and fail to conduct thorough investigations, such as when sensitive passenger information is released," she said, referencing an incident during Typhoon Carina when she and her family were seen departing the country.

Despite the controversy surrounding her departure during a natural disaster, the Office of the Vice President described the timing as "unfortunate."

Duterte also called out the House of Representatives for not addressing the ideal police-to-population ratio due to increasing population and budget constraints. 

"The country should have lawmakers who understand the need to leverage technology to address the shortage of police personnel. Instead, some representatives are more focused on meddling in issues unrelated to their duties," she remarked.

Previously, Duterte criticized Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil over the reassignment of her security detail, labeling it as "political harassment." Marbil had prioritized the deployment of PSPG personnel based on security threats.

Duterte reiterated her opposition to allowing the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate her father's administration's war on drugs. 

"The Philippines, as a sovereign nation, must resist foreign interference in our domestic affairs. Yet, we currently have leaders who readily bow to external demands, like those from the ICC," she asserted.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra recently stated that the Philippines cannot prevent the ICC prosecutor from interviewing persons of interest in the investigation. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that the government had received a request from the ICC to assist in interviewing "five persons," but noted that informing people about the ICC's interest was not the government's responsibility.

Duterte emphasized that Filipinos deserve better governance, saying, "With the hard work and talent of Filipinos, we should be leading among our neighboring countries. Instead, we continue to experience hunger and poverty due to deceitful individuals in power."

"We are tired of seeing our country left behind, treated as insignificant, and subservient to foreign interests. Filipinos deserve more than what we are currently receiving from the government. Filipinos deserve better. We should strive to be the best," she concluded.

The media has sought comments from Malacañang and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines regarding Duterte's statements.

Read: Vice President Sara Duterte Criticizes Government for Compliance with ICC and Angara Orders Filling of DepEd Vacancies

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