Vice President Sara Duterte has criticized the Marcos administration for what she describes as a lack of clear planning and leadership, warning that the Philippines is unprepared for war or any global crisis.
Speaking at a rally in Melbourne, Australia, where she appealed for the release of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte—currently detained in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity—Duterte claimed the administration has “no plan, no vision.”
“There’s no preparation for change, no readiness for conflict or global shocks because there’s no direction,” she said. Duterte added that during her time in the Cabinet, she saw no strategic leadership from the administration.
She also opposed the U.S. deployment of the Typhon missile system in the Philippines, urging a neutral stance in foreign affairs. “Our issue with the West Philippine Sea isn’t our entire relationship with China. So, there’s no reason to lean toward the U.S.,” she said.
The Vice President emphasized the need for balanced diplomacy and called on the government to focus on key areas like food security, healthcare, education, and climate resilience. She criticized the absence of a long-term food strategy and the country’s lack of support for farmers.
Reflecting on her 2022 partnership with President Marcos, Duterte said she believed he aimed to build a better legacy than that of his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. “Unfortunately, I made the wrong bet,” she admitted.
Despite her criticism of the President, Duterte expressed continued support for Senator Imee Marcos, describing her as a long-time friend.
Duterte, who resigned as Education Secretary and stepped down from Lakas-CMD last year, now faces an impeachment complaint involving allegations of unexplained wealth, the misuse of confidential funds, and connections to extrajudicial killings. The complaint also cites controversial remarks she allegedly made about President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.