Vice President Sara Duterte Fires Back Over Academic Credentials Allegations
Vice President Sara Duterte has issued a forceful rebuttal against accusations questioning her academic qualifications, asserting she completed her legal education independently and on her own terms. The controversy stems from claims made by Ramil Madriaga, whom Duterte labeled a "bar flunker and kidnapping suspect."
Personal Defense of Law School Record
In a detailed statement, Duterte emphasized that among all allegations, Madriaga's insinuation that she required assistance to navigate law school struck a particularly personal chord. "I completed my studies on my own terms," she declared, explaining that she prioritized a balanced lifestyle over academic perfection.
Duterte elaborated that she never sought special treatment from professors, as meeting minimum requirements proved straightforward. She also denied any history of misconduct during her time at San Sebastian College Recoletos College of Law, stating, "I was never the subject of any complaint for rudeness or violence against other students."
Notable academic achievements highlighted by Duterte include:
- Graduating in May 2005 and taking the Bar Exam that same September—a first at SSC-R College of Law
- Passing the challenging Bar Exam on her initial attempt
- Achieving a General Weighted Average of 80, five points above the passing threshold
Sharp Criticism of House Justice Committee
Beyond defending her educational background, Duterte launched a scathing attack on what she called Madriaga's "cohorts" in the House of Representatives. She accused them of lacking the capability to achieve results with minimal effort, remarking, "they cannot even weave a believable lie, much less follow the rule of law."
Duterte characterized the ongoing impeachment proceedings in the Committee on Justice as a "mini-trial" reflecting systemic issues. "Abuse and corruption appear to be the only things they are capable of," she asserted, referencing past bribery allegations involving House members during the first impeachment case.
She further claimed that the current impeachment effort suffers from similar flaws, with public funds allegedly being misdirected for political purposes rather than addressing urgent public needs.
Duterte connected this criticism to broader governance failures, noting that resources should instead focus on providing relief amid rising prices and economic challenges that the administration has struggled to manage effectively.
