“FREE DUTERTE NOW” RALLY

Vice President Sara Duterte on Sunday delivered a passionate message at a “Free Duterte Now” rally in Melbourne, Australia, appealing for her father’s release from International Criminal Court (ICC) detention. During the event, she also openly voiced concerns regarding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s performance and alleged constitutional breaches, while personally dismissing any “ill feelings” towards him.

Speaking from the rally on June 22, the Vice President addressed President Marcos Jr.’s recent remarks about potential reconciliation with the Duterte family. “I have no ill feelings with him with regard to the political persecution that I am receiving from the administration because that is part of the life of a politician,” she stated. However, she quickly pivoted to her criticisms of his leadership: “I have problems with his performance as president and I have problems with the violations of our fundamental law, our Constitution, particularly with the rendition of former president Duterte. That was really an affront to Philippine sovereignty.” She added that she has not received any direct request for a meeting from the President.

When questioned about Marcos Jr.’s assertion that he would not intervene in her ongoing impeachment trial, Duterte expressed skepticism, claiming his statements are inconsistent and that he has failed to deliver on campaign promises. She went as far as to label his approach as having “the hallmark of a scammer.” This came after President Marcos Jr. indicated in a podcast that his focus was on national issues like transport and rice, viewing the impeachment as a congressional matter. Duterte responded, “Well, good for him. And we hope to see some sort of truth to his statements… Unfortunately, if you talk to the ordinary citizens and the Filipino community, we don’t see anything at all.”

During her address to supporters, the Vice President also declared the Philippines “ill-equipped for war or any ‘global shock'” due to what she characterized as the Marcos administration’s absence of a clear plan and direction. Drawing on her experience as a former Cabinet member (serving as Secretary of Education until June 2024), she lamented the lack of a “vision at all” and urged collective action to push the administration to deliver.

Duterte further expressed disapproval of the United States’ deployment of the Typhon missile system in the Philippines. She advocated for the country to maintain neutrality in international conflicts, stating, “Our problem in the West Philippine Sea does not make up our entire relations with China. And so, therefore, there is no reason for you to lean towards the US. You have to always stay in the middle because you are not a part of the bigger conflict.”

Her critique extended to domestic issues, including what she claimed was government inefficiency in climate resilience and a lack of long-term food security planning, noting the neglect of farmers. She emphasized the need for the administration to prioritize healthcare, infrastructure development, food security, and education.

Reflecting on the 2022 elections, Vice President Duterte explained that her decision to team up with Marcos Jr. was based on the belief he sought a “better” legacy than his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., referencing the Martial Law period. “Unfortunately, I did not bet properly with my running mate,” she admitted, adding, “I’m sure you have doubts with the Marcoses already.” However, she differentiated Senator Imee Marcos, whom she has considered a friend since 2012, noting her acquaintance with President Marcos Jr. only began in 2020.

The UniTeam alliance, which had a successful 2022 campaign, fractured two years later. Following her resignation from DepEd, Vice President Duterte also stepped down from her leadership and membership roles in the Lakas-CMD political party, citing an inability to serve amidst “political toxicity” and “execrable political powerplay.”

The Vice President is currently facing an impeachment complaint that encompasses allegations regarding confidential funds, unexplained wealth, alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings in Davao City, and controversial “assassination” remarks purportedly made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.