Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte believes that it will be a “sad” Christmas for the Filipinos this year as the government continues to grapple with corruption scandals.
“Well, malungkot ang Pasko natin dahil hindi natin gusto ang mga nangyayari sa ating bansa, lalong-lalo na yung mga iskandalo sa korapsyon at ‘yung pag-aabuso sa posisyon at mga opisina ng gobyerno,” Duterte told reporters on Friday, Dec. 5.
[Translation: Well, it will be a sad Christmas because we do not like what is happening in the country, especially with the scandals on corruption and abuse in government positions. ]
Duterte, who has yet to answer questions on her use of confidential funds, urged Filipinos to stay strong amid the ongoing national issues.
“As Filipinos, we are known to be resilient. Kaya kailangan natin itawid itong Pasko na ito na merong pag-asa sa ating mga puso (So we need to endure this Christmas with hope in our hearts).”
Duterte also encouraged the public to pray for the upcoming year and plead for a good year ahead.
This comes as several officials have been charged with corruption due to their ties with anomalous flood control projects.
