VP Duterte slams Marcos admin anew

Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte took a veiled swipe at the administration during a budget hearing in what appears to be a widening political gap.

In a press conference after the Senate hearing on the proposed budget for the Office of the Vice President, Duterte called out major projects.

She said she accepted to run for vice president on the premise that the programs initiated by her father and former President Rodrigo Duterte will continue.

"Kaya tumakbo kami on the platform of unity and continuity na hindi natin nakikita ngayon. Nasaan na ang big-ticket projects? Wala na lahat. Unappropriated,” said Duterte.

[Translation: That’s why we ran on the platform of unity and continuity, which we don’t see anymore. Where are the big ticket projects? They are gone and unappropriated.]

Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined forces in the 2022 elections under what was called “Uniteam.”

“Tumakbo lang ako dahil kailangan magpatuloy iyong development projects sa Mindanao, Visayas, at sa Luzon at naisip ko at the time, if I am vice president, matutukan ang mga proyektong iyon,” she added.

[Translation: I ran because the development projects in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao must continue. At the time, I thought these projects will be followed through if I am vice president.]

In July, Duterte resigned as education secretary for personal reasons, which she didn’t specify.

Duterte recently took a swipe at flood control projects in the aftermath of Typhoon Carina. She also slammed airport officials over “security threats” after she was captured on video leaving the country for a family trip amid a calamity.

However, Duterte said she doesn’t regret running for vice president.

Duterte also downplayed rumors of running for president in 2028.

"Ang layo ng 2028. Dapat magplano for 2028 sa 2027 at fourth quarter ng 2026,” said Duterte.

[Translation: 2028 is so far. Plans for 2028 must be made in 27 and in the fourth quarter of 2026]

The vice president earlier said her brother Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte will run in the next presidential elections.