Vice President Sara Duterte Condemns Selective Outrage Over Corruption Claims
Vice President Sara Duterte has launched a scathing critique against civil society organizations, religious leaders, and lawmakers, accusing them of being highly selective in the issues they choose to address publicly. In a strongly worded statement, Duterte highlighted what she described as a "deafening silence" from these groups regarding explosive allegations made by eighteen individuals, including purported former members of the Philippine Marines.
Allegations of Cash Deliveries to High-Ranking Officials
These men have claimed that their duties as security personnel for former Ako-Bicol representative Elizaldy Co involved delivering suitcases containing billions of pesos in cash to several high-ranking government officials. The alleged recipients reportedly include President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Duterte expressed frustration that while accusations against her remain under intense scrutiny and what she calls an "unending fishing expedition" through legislative investigations, these serious claims have been met with widespread indifference.
"The silence of civil society groups that used to be quick to issue statements, of religious leaders who are ready to take a stand on issues of morality, and of lawmakers who say they stand for transparency and accountability is truly deafening," Duterte stated.
Criticism of the Current Administration's Inaction
Furthermore, the Vice President pointed out a perceived lack of interest or immediate action from the current National Government administration to investigate the truth behind these allegations of massive bribes. She specifically mentioned connections to flood control projects, the International Criminal Court (ICC), and impeachment efforts directed against her.
"Furthermore, there seems to be no interest or immediate action from the National Government to investigate the truth regarding the billions in bribes related to flood control, the ICC, and the impeachment efforts against me," she added.
Call for Consistent Accountability and Transparency
Duterte emphasized that justice, along with the pursuit of accountability and transparency, must be applied consistently and without bias. She argued that anger over corruption should not be selective, investigations should not target only specific individuals, and silence is unacceptable when those implicated are close to positions of power.
"Anger over corruption should not be selective. One cannot choose who will be investigated. And one cannot remain silent when those involved are close to power," Duterte declared.
She concluded with a powerful metaphor: "The people’s money should not be placed in suitcases, and the truth should not be buried in silence."
Background and Legal Developments
The allegations surfaced during a press conference on February 24, where the eighteen individuals made these claims. Their lawyer, Levito Baligod, further alleged that Co and former senator Antonio Trillanes IV financed hotel stays and expenses for ICC investigators in the Philippines during the probe into former president Rodrigo Duterte.
In response, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) disclosed that of the eighteen individuals, four never served in the Marine Corps. The majority were dishonorably discharged, while others retired in good standing.
Simultaneously, Duterte is facing impeachment complaints filed by civil society groups, clergy, and lawyers. These complaints allege:
- Betrayal of public trust
- Culpable violations of the Constitution
- Misuse of public funds involving confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the House of Representatives Committee on Justice declared that two impeachment complaints against Duterte are sufficient in substance. The panel has directed Duterte to file a written answer within ten days.
In a related development, former senator Antonio Trillanes filed perjury complaints before the Sandiganbayan on March 5 against the eighteen men, lawyer Levito Baligod, former congressman Mike Defensor, former broadcaster Jay Sonza, former NTF-Elcac spokesperson Lorraine Badoy, and vlogger Cathy Binag. Trillanes has vehemently denied receiving $2 million to fund ICC operations, as claimed in an affidavit submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman last week.
