President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. delivered a calm and firm response to recent threats allegedly made by Vice President Sara Duterte, urging for the upholding of the rule of law and condemning what he described as a βcriminalβ and βdangerousβ mindset.
βKung ganoon na lang kadali ang pagplano sa pagpatay ng isang presidente, paano pa kaya ang mga pangkaraniwang mamamayan?β Marcos said, highlighting the gravity of such statements. βAng ganyang kriminal na pagbabanta ay hindi dapat pinapalagpas. βYan ay aking papalagan.β
Drama Over Accountability
The president criticized Duterteβs approach, saying she has chosen βdramaβ over transparency. He pointed to the growing scrutiny from the Senate and House of Representatives over the alleged misuse of confidential funds. Instead of addressing these concerns head-on, Marcos accused the vice president of diverting attention with baseless narratives.
βAng katotohanan ay di dapat i-tokhang,β Marcos said, delivering a pointed jab at the infamous anti-drug campaign led by Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, which was criticized for its extrajudicial killings.
BREAKING: President Bongbong Marcos issues a statement regarding the pronouncements against him made by Vice President Sara Duterte.
βKung ganoon na lang kadali ang pagplano sa pagpatay ng isang presidente, paano pa kaya ang mga pangkaraniwang mamayan? Ang ganyang kriminal naβ¦ pic.twitter.com/totKTFbUQL
β GMA Integrated News (@gmanews) November 25, 2024
βChichiriaβ Controversy
At the heart of the issue is the alleged questionable use of confidential funds under Duterte’s office. Reports emerged that supposed beneficiaries included the names of snack brands like Piattos, Nova, Oishi, and Tempuraβraising eyebrows and sparking public ridicule.
βImbes na deretsahang sagot, ililihis pa sa kwentong chichiria,β Marcos quipped, reflecting his frustration over the vice presidentβs perceived lack of accountability.
Upholding Transparency
The president emphasized that resolving these controversies is crucial not just for his administration but for the integrity of the countryβs democratic institutions. βThe truth must be told,β Marcos asserted, urging Duterte to provide straightforward answers and desist from obstructing the ongoing investigations.
A Peaceful Pursuit of Truth
Despite the tension, Marcos stressed his desire for a peaceful resolution to these issues, rooted in the rule of law. βWe must aim for clarity and accountability in governance. This is the way to ensure justice for all Filipinos,β he said.
As the public awaits further developments, the controversy underscores the increasing friction between the country’s two top officials, with accountability and transparency at the center of the debate.
Will the vice president address the mounting questions, or will the drama continue to unfold? The nation watches closely.