Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte said on Friday, June 12, she has no intention to “overthrow the administration,” while vowing to uphold the Constitution as a “constitutional successor.”
Duterte threw shade, however, on her former ally before a political falling out.
“Wala sa aking mga kamay ang pagsasagawa ng extra constitutional means to overthrow the current administration. At hindi ko din gusto ‘yun. Hindi ko gusto agawin ‘yung posisyon ni Bongbong Marcos,” Duterte said, when asked about unverified calls from retired military officers and some groups to lead a revolution.
“Gusto ko makita ng taong bayan hanggang sa dulo kung gaano ka walang hiya si BBM,” she added.
[Translation: Carrying out extra-constitutional means to overthrow the current administration is not in my hands. And I don’t want that either. I don’t want to seize Bongbong Marcos’s position. I want the people to see all the way to the end just how shameless BBM is.]
Duterte said she took an oath to defend and preserve the Constitution.
She had earlier declared that she will run for president in 2028.
Sen. Ping Lacson, a former Philippine National Police chief, earlier said there is growing frustration from the armed services on a number of issues, including the Senate internal dispute, flood control scandal, and inflation.
The Philippine Army, in response, said it is “fully committed to the care and well-being” of its soldiers, assuring the public that mechanisms are in place to ensure the welfare of the military.
Call for accountability
Meanwhile, Duterte called for accountability in government and warned against corruption in her message for the 128th anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day.
The vice president said sovereignty is challenged by foreign powers and undermined by corruption and abuse of public office.
“Nawawala rin ito sa tuwing ang serbisyo publiko ay nagiging pribadong negosyo. Kung ang mga opisyal ng gobyerno ay mala-sindikato sa pagnanakaw ng pera ng bayan,” she said.
[Translation: Sovereignty is also lost whenever public service becomes a private business and when government officials act like syndicates in stealing public funds.]
Duterte said corruption deprives people of opportunities and basic services, noting that every peso lost to corruption affects education, healthcare, and livelihoods.
“Ang korapsyon ay hindi lamang pagnanakaw ng pera. It steals opportunity, it steals dignity, and it steals hope. And ultimately, it steals freedom itself,” she said.
[Translation: Corruption is not merely the theft of money. It steals opportunity, dignity, and hope. Ultimately, it steals freedom itself.]
“Tumindig at makibaka tayo sa mga pwersang susubok na pangunahan ang ating kapalaran. Kasama ang pag-asa na galing sa hindi masupil na kapangyarihan mula sa puso ng bawat Pilipino,” she added.
[Translation: Let us stand and struggle against forces that seek to dictate our destiny, carrying the hope that comes from the unconquerable strength found in the heart of every Filipino.]
Duterte is facing a looming impeachment trial over allegations of corruption, unexplained wealth, and threats to the president.
NewsWatch Plus multi-platform producer Chim Cantos contributed to this report.
