VP Sara Duterte calls for President Marcos' resignation, citing corruption

MANILA, Philippines — In a dramatic turn of events, Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly called for the resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., branding him the “problem of the nation” and accusing his administration of corruption, abuse, and political harassment. This strong condemnation comes amid ongoing legal cases filed against her and members of her family. Duterte addressed her supporters, stating, “I cannot bring myself to just stay silent while I see you swimming through floods. Because I see you struggling so hard for your families. Because I witnessed the abuse of Marcos with my very own eyes.” She urged the President to step down, calling him “a liar, abusive, and corrupt.” She further likened President Marcos to his father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., alleging that the son is repeating the father's alleged ruin of the country. “My countrymen, our fight does not end here. Calling for the departure of our nation’s problem, whose name is Bongbong Marcos. Resign, get out of there,” she declared. Responding to the Vice President's remarks, Malacañang official Claire Castro stated, “She wants the President to step down? Why? Is the Vice President rushing to take over [the presidency]? Their plan is obvious. So to our countrymen, be mindful of who the true leader is.” Duterte insisted that the cases involving her family should not be dismissed as political drama, pointing to what she described as systemic abuses under the Marcos administration. She cited the arrest of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, and her own impeachment proceedings as part of alleged schemes against her family. “Marcos is fooling us right to our faces. Do not forget the time when the law was being broken right in front of us. Do not forget the corruption that they insist on hiding to this day,” she asserted. She accused Marcos of lacking gratitude towards the people who elected him and urged her supporters to continue their fight against what she termed “the abusive, the addicts and the corrupt.” The Vice President’s statement followed the deferral of her arraignment at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. Her lawyers had filed a motion challenging the proceedings, which the court granted. Her counsel, Paul Lawrence Lim, confirmed the deferral and stated that Duterte continues to abide by the law despite questioning the court’s jurisdiction. The defense has also filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition with a temporary restraining order before the Supreme Court, questioning a Department of Justice resolution. The DOJ stated it would respect the trial court’s decision. Earlier, Duterte posted bail after a warrant for her arrest was issued over three grave threats charges. The DOJ case stems from a November 2024 online press briefing where Duterte allegedly stated she had hired someone to kill President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos, and then-House speaker Martin Romualdez if she were killed. Despite the legal challenges, Duterte vowed to face each case as it comes. “Since 2023, I feel threatened. I feel harassed. I do not feel safe but I have a job that I have to do and I have an obligation to all of the people,” she said. Recent exchanges have also occurred between Duterte and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla regarding her arrest and the handling of her cases, with both parties accusing the other of seeking drama. Information Source: Philstar Nation