Vice President Sara Duterte clarified Tuesday that she did not call for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s resignation, saying the demand came from the public during a gathering in The Hague.
“I never said BBM should resign,” Duterte stated in an ambush interview. “What I said was, if people are calling for his resignation, they should explain why—and I gave examples.”
This followed her presence at an event in The Hague where supporters of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, chanted “Marcos resign!” In response, VP Sara was heard saying, “That’s your call, not mine.”
Duterte elaborated, “Why should someone resign? If they’re not showing the people clear thinking and strong leadership, then that’s a valid reason.”
Malacañang responded by questioning who would benefit from the President stepping down, and dismissed comparisons between the elder Duterte and the late Sen. Ninoy Aquino, pointing out the latter had no record of crimes against humanity.
Sara also defended her fears about her father’s safety if he returns to the Philippines. She cited historical events to justify her concerns, referencing the arrest and transfer of Duterte Sr. to The Hague earlier this month over alleged crimes against humanity during his administration’s war on drugs.
“History can’t be erased,” she said. “It shows what they’re capable of—including extraordinary rendition.”
She emphasized that her father wishes to return home despite the risks.