Duterte: “We deserve better” as she hits greed, corruption in government

Vice President Sara Z. Duterte issued a sharply worded statement expressing solidarity with the public’s growing outrage over alleged corruption in government, accusing lawmakers of manipulating the Department of Education (DepEd) budget and claiming she resigned to avoid participating in the “deception” of the Filipino people.

In her message addressed to “Mga kababayan,” Duterte said she fully understands the public’s anger following revelations surrounding the controversial flood control projects. She noted that long before the scandal erupted, she had been in constant discussions with Overseas Filipinos who repeatedly raised concerns about transparency, accountability, peace, and national security.

The Vice President alleged that she personally witnessed how the House of Representatives “manipulated” DepEd’s 2025 budget. She claimed congressmen close to powerful political figures carved up funds originally intended to solve the nation’s severe shortage of classrooms.

“Instead of following DepEd’s list, the budget for Filipino youth was treated like pork barrel,” Duterte said, adding that she refused to take part in deceiving the public.

According to Duterte, her resignation as DepEd secretary was met with relentless attacks—including impeachment threats—which she believes were meant to divert attention from alleged anomalies in the passage of the P2025 budget.

Duterte further warned that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is now facing a “profound crisis of confidence,” citing what she described as corruption probes that appear to lack “direction and resolve.” She also demanded clear answers on how a budget that “deprived Filipinos of billions” was approved under his leadership.

“I stand with the millions of Filipinos disappointed and disgusted with a government drowning in insecurity and insatiable greed,” she said. “Our right to speak is the foundation of democracy. The government must listen—not ignore us. We Filipinos deserve better.”

The Vice President ended her statement with “Shukran,” an Arabic expression of gratitude, underscoring her message of solidarity with Filipinos both at home and abroad.