VP Sara Duterte Defends Trips Abroad, Accuses Marcos Admin of Political Scapegoating
SARA DUTERTE – Amid growing scrutiny over her frequent travels, Vice President Sara Duterte maintained that personal trips made without government funding are not the public’s concern.
Sara Duterte reaffirmed her position that she is not obligated to reveal information about her private travels, pushing back against criticism from Malacañang regarding her recent trip to Australia. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro had earlier called on Duterte to provide more transparency, especially after the Vice President asserted that she continued performing her duties even while abroad.
“‘Yan ‘yung example ko sa inyo na bobo talaga, ‘di ba?” Duterte remarked during an interview with local media in Davao City on Friday, June 27.
Duterte clarified that government officials taking personal trips while on official leave—and not using state funds—are not required to issue any formal report. “Kapag gumagamit ka ng pera ng gobyerno, official business ‘yan, kailangan mo mag-report,” she said.
Addressing public perception that she was “angry” or “emotional” in responding to the Palace’s criticism, Duterte denied these characterizations, stating that her reaction had been misunderstood. Her sharp “bobo” remark escalated tensions between her and the Marcos administration.
The Palace has also expressed concern over Duterte’s multiple international trips, including a visit to the Netherlands where her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is currently detained. Castro acknowledged that Duterte has the freedom to travel but suggested that such trips could interfere with her responsibilities as Vice President.
Duterte responded more forcefully, accusing the Marcos government of turning her into a “political scapegoat” to deflect attention from its own administrative failures.
“Kapag walang nangyayari sa administrasyon mo at walang ginagawa ‘yung principal o ‘yung presidente, ang gagawin nila is magtuturo ng ibang tao. Kapag merong kuwestyon sa kawalan ng ginagawa ng administrasyon, ang gagawin nila ay magtuturo sa ibang tao para nawawala ‘yung tanong at parang nagugulo ang mga tao,” she added.
She further alleged that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is attempting to remove her from the political equation as the leading contender for the 2028 presidential elections, escalating their rivalry to a national level.
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