Vice President Sara Duterte denied any intention to overthrow the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., saying she has no plans to use unconstitutional means to remove the President from office.
“Wala sa aking mga kamay ang pagsasagawa ng extra constitutional means to overthrow the current administration. At hindi ko din gusto ‘yun,” Duterte said in an interview in Davao City, adding that she had sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution.
She also clarified that she does not wish to take over Marcos’ position.
“Hindi ko gusto agawin ‘yung posisyon ni Bongbong Marcos,” she said.
Despite this, Duterte maintained her strong criticism of the current administration, saying she wants the public to fully see her assessment of the President.
“Gusto ko makita ng taong bayan hanggang sa dulo kung gaano ka walang hiya si BBM,” she added.
Malacañang immediately rejected Duterte’s remarks. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro disputed her statement, citing earlier comments allegedly made by the Vice President that were interpreted as support for Marcos’ removal.
Castro also accused Duterte of inconsistency and said her allies have been linked to alleged destabilization efforts, urging her to restrain them if she truly opposes such actions.
In her Independence Day message, Duterte also said sovereignty is threatened not only by foreign forces but also by corruption within government.
“Ang kalayaan natin at ang soberanya natin… nawawala din siya kapag ang matataas na opisyal ng ating pamahalaan… ay mala-sindikato sa pagnanakaw ng pera ng bayan,” she said.
She added that corruption erodes dignity, opportunity, hope, and freedom.
The House of Representatives has impeached Duterte for a second consecutive year over allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and other high crimes.
