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Sara Duterte Hits Back At Trillanes, Slams 'Political Attacks'
Photo credit: Inday Sara Duterte's FB
Vice President Sara Duterte pushed back against renewed allegations involving her finances, accusing critics of recycling old claims and using government institutions for political attacks.
In a strongly worded statement released Thursday, Duterte called out Antonio Trillanes IV for repeatedly raising what she described as an “incredible story” about alleged billions in bank accounts, saying the narrative has remained unchanged for nearly a decade.
“For nearly a decade, Mr. Antonio Trillanes IV has been peddling the same incredible story about alleged billions in bank accounts. From 2016 to 2026, nothing in his narrative has changed. What has changed, however, is the machinery now backing him,” she said.
Duterte went further, alleging that political forces are now supporting the accusations, including officials from different branches of government. She criticized what she described as coordinated actions involving lawmakers, state auditors, and anti-money laundering authorities.
She also questioned the timing of the allegations, saying they intensified after her departure from the Cabinet. Duterte claimed this came after she refused to sign a national budget she could not defend publicly.
“Simple lang ang sagot ko sa lahat ng paninira. Malinis ang aking service record; hindi ako kailanman nagkaroon ng kaso sa paggamit ng pondo ng bayan. Lahat ng aking ari-arian at pera ay idineklara ko sa aking SALN. Ang bawat sentimo ay mula sa lehitimong pinanggalingan at may kaukulang dokumento,” she said.
In one of the statement’s sharpest lines, Duterte added: “Ang mga totoong magnanakaw, hindi sa bangko pinapasok ang pera—kundi sa maleta.”
The Vice President also raised broader concerns, accusing the administration of misusing institutions and avoiding accountability. She pointed to unresolved issues such as alleged irregularities in flood control funds, rising inflation, poverty, and the lack of clear direction in peace talks and foreign policy.
“Huwag kayong magpalinlang sa ingay ng impeachment na ito. Dahil ang tunay na laban ay para sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipinong dumadanas at dumaraan sa tuminding hamon ng buhay araw-araw,” Duterte said.
The statement comes amid heightened political tensions and ongoing debates surrounding accountability and governance, with both allies and critics continuing to trade accusations in the public sphere.
In a strongly worded statement released Thursday, Duterte called out Antonio Trillanes IV for repeatedly raising what she described as an “incredible story” about alleged billions in bank accounts, saying the narrative has remained unchanged for nearly a decade.
“For nearly a decade, Mr. Antonio Trillanes IV has been peddling the same incredible story about alleged billions in bank accounts. From 2016 to 2026, nothing in his narrative has changed. What has changed, however, is the machinery now backing him,” she said.
Duterte went further, alleging that political forces are now supporting the accusations, including officials from different branches of government. She criticized what she described as coordinated actions involving lawmakers, state auditors, and anti-money laundering authorities.
She also questioned the timing of the allegations, saying they intensified after her departure from the Cabinet. Duterte claimed this came after she refused to sign a national budget she could not defend publicly.
“Simple lang ang sagot ko sa lahat ng paninira. Malinis ang aking service record; hindi ako kailanman nagkaroon ng kaso sa paggamit ng pondo ng bayan. Lahat ng aking ari-arian at pera ay idineklara ko sa aking SALN. Ang bawat sentimo ay mula sa lehitimong pinanggalingan at may kaukulang dokumento,” she said.
In one of the statement’s sharpest lines, Duterte added: “Ang mga totoong magnanakaw, hindi sa bangko pinapasok ang pera—kundi sa maleta.”
The Vice President also raised broader concerns, accusing the administration of misusing institutions and avoiding accountability. She pointed to unresolved issues such as alleged irregularities in flood control funds, rising inflation, poverty, and the lack of clear direction in peace talks and foreign policy.
“Huwag kayong magpalinlang sa ingay ng impeachment na ito. Dahil ang tunay na laban ay para sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipinong dumadanas at dumaraan sa tuminding hamon ng buhay araw-araw,” Duterte said.
The statement comes amid heightened political tensions and ongoing debates surrounding accountability and governance, with both allies and critics continuing to trade accusations in the public sphere.
Apr 23, 2026
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