Sara Duterte Speaks Out on Why Philippine Media Needs Real Change
SARA DUTERTE – A new wave of controversy emerged after VP Sara Duterte questioned the standards of Philippine journalism and the role of mainstream media in shaping public perception.
Vice President Sara Duterte criticized the state of journalism in the Philippines, saying its quality is far behind that of international media and arguing that such practices hinder the country’s progress.
Speaking in The Hague, Netherlands, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, the vice president expressed disappointment over what she described as the way some local media organizations cover stories involving the Duterte family. According to her, the country will not move forward if the media continues to portray them in a negative light.
She explained that there is a significant difference between how international news organizations and the Philippine media search for, develop, and present their stories. VP Sara emphasized that foreign media demonstrate a higher standard in selecting and reporting events compared to local outlets.
“Kasi kung makikita mo ang international media. Paano sila mag-present ng balita, paano sila naghahanap ng mga bagay o mga aktibidad, o mga pangyayari na ibabalita, napakalayo ng kalidad ng journalism sa ibang bansa ikumpara mo sa atin sa Pilipinas,” as he began.
The vice president also took a swipe at what she believes is the influence of money on journalism and mainstream media. She argued that if financial interests continue to become the driving force behind news reporting, meaningful change in the country will remain elusive.
“Nakita n’yo ang example kung paano maglahad, mag-present ng balita ang ating media outlets. Unfortunately, kung gagawin talaga natin araw-araw na Diyos ang pera, wala talagang pagbabago na mangyayari sa ating bansa,” she said.
“Sa journalism man, sa mainstream media man, o sa iba’t ibang aspeto ng ating bayan,” she added.
VP Sara further said that social media has become an important platform where people can share what they personally witness, allowing the public to see what she described as the truth directly from individuals.
“Buti na lang meron na tayong social media ngayon. Kung saan nakikita natin kung ano talaga ‘yong katotohanan na nakita ng tao at lumabas sa bibig ng tao,” she said.
She also lamented what she sees as the growing influence of money on the values of many Filipinos.
“Nakakalungkot na marami sa ating mga Pilipino na ginawang Diyos ang pera. Dapat ang gawin nating guide sa ating pang-araw-araw ay ‘yong pagiging Pilipino natin. Bayanihan, disiplina, resilience, at iba’t iba pang magandang asal ng Pilipino.”
The vice president went on to say that Filipinos were not known for being greedy in the past, but claimed that this had changed over the years because of society’s increasing focus on wealth.
“Hindi naman kilala ang mga Pilipino noon. Noong unang panahon, hindi kilala ang mga Pilipino to be greedy. But somehow… along the way, through the years, nagkaniya-kaniya ‘yong mga Pilipino at naging Diyos nila ang pera,” she said.
“Hindi lahat. Naging Diyos ng iba ang pera,” she concluded.
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