Vice President Sara Duterte has challenged authorities to apply corruption rules evenly, warning against what she sees as a growing double standard in holding leaders to account.
Duterte praised the bravery of former security personnel of ex-Congressman Zaldy Co, who reportedly spoke out about suitcases allegedly containing billions of pesos in government funds.
“Hanga ako sa tapang ng mga naging security personnel ni dating Congressman Zaldy Co na naglakas-loob magsalita tungkol sa umano’y paghahatid ng mga maletang puno ng bilyon-bilyong pisong pondo ng pamahalaan,” Duterte said in a statement.
She criticized what she called selective attention in political investigations, noting that accusations against her are quickly investigated with hearings and speeches, while other alleged wrongdoings seem to meet with silence.
“Sadyang nakakabingi ang katahimikan ng mga civil society groups na dati ay mabilis maglabas ng pahayag, ng mga religious leaders na handang manindigan sa usapin ng moralidad, at ng mga mambabatas na nagsasabing sila ay para sa transparency at accountability,” Duterte said.
The vice president also faulted the current administration for its perceived inaction on alleged billion-peso bribes linked to flood control projects, the International Criminal Court (ICC), and impeachment efforts against her.
“Hindi maaaring pumili kung sino lamang ang iimbestigahan. At hindi maaaring manahimik tuwing ang mga sangkot ay malapit sa kapangyarihan,” she emphasized.
Duterte concluded with a call for honesty and transparency in government.
“Ang pera ng bayan ay hindi dapat inilalagay sa maleta, at ang katotohanan ay hindi dapat inilalagay sa katahimikan,” she said.
