Sara Duterte Sounds Alarm Over Alleged Abuse of Power
SARA DUTERTE – Political tensions in the Philippines intensified after Vice President Sara Duterte accused the administration of committing what she called a “grave abuse of power.”
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed disappointment over the reported commotion at the Senate after alleged gunshots were heard on the evening of May 13, describing the situation as deeply alarming and a sign of what she called “grave abuse of power.”
Speaking from The Hague, where she is currently visiting her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who remains under the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the vice president lamented the current state of the country’s political climate.
“Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit ‘yung nangyayari sa ating bayan ngayon,” VP Sara said during a chance interview reported by INQUIRER.
“Lalong lalo na roon sa pagpakita ng disrespect sa institution ng Senado,” she added.
Former President Duterte is currently facing crimes against humanity charges linked to his administration’s bloody anti-illegal drug campaign.
Authorities have yet to determine the real cause of the alleged gunfire incident inside the Senate. However, President Bongbong Marcos earlier clarified that the government had no involvement in the disturbance.
The president also stated that both the Senate and the Philippine National Police will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
Tensions reportedly escalated in the Senate beginning May 11 after Sen. Bato dela Rosa resurfaced following reports that he had gone into hiding due to an ICC arrest warrant that was later confirmed by the court.
The National Bureau of Investigation allegedly attempted to serve the warrant to Dela Rosa but failed to do so, leading to his placement under Senate protective custody.
When asked whether she had spoken with Dela Rosa following the incident, VP Sara said they had not yet communicated and that their last conversation took place the previous day.
“Maghahanap ako mamaya ng tao na pwede o kasama niya na pwedeng kumausap sa kanya para matanong kung paano magbigay o ano ang kailangan niya na mabigay na tulong o suporta para sa kanya,” she said.
The vice president also revealed that her father had already been informed about the Senate incident.
Meanwhile, VP Sara insisted that the recent political events are allegedly part of moves by the administration to prolong President Marcos’ stay in power.
“What you’re witnessing sa bayan natin is grave abuse of power,” the vice president stressed.
“Una niyan, si dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, sunod niyan si Senator Bato at kung sino pa man ‘yung ibang mga sinali sa complaint kuno diyan sa ICC. Ang sunod niyan ay charter change dahil hindi na naman na made-deny ‘yan ni BBM,” she added.
According to VP Sara, any push for charter change would allegedly indicate that Marcos has no intention of stepping down from office.
“‘Yan din ang sinabi ni President Duterte kanina, sabi niya Pilipinas mag-ingat kayo kasi hindi na ‘yan aalis sa pwesto niya, at ang sunod niyan ay ‘yung impeachment ko,” she further stated.
