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Advocates Philippines
VP Sara Duterte Questions Silence On Alleged Billions-In-Cash Deliveries
Photo credit: Inday Sara Duterte
In a strongly worded statement released March 5, 2026, the Vice President openly questioned what she described as a troubling double standard in how corruption allegations are handled — especially when they involve powerful personalities.
Duterte said she admires the courage of former security personnel of ex-Congressman Zaldy Co who reportedly spoke out about the alleged delivery of suitcases filled with billions of pesos in government funds.
For her, coming forward with such claims takes bravery.
But here’s the bigger question she raised: Why the silence?
From Spotlight to Silence?
Duterte pointed out that when accusations were thrown her way, they immediately became the focus of congressional hearings, privilege speeches, and what she described as endless fishing expeditions conducted supposedly in aid of legislation.
Yet now, she said, when serious allegations involving billions in public funds surface, the reaction appears muted.
“Sadyang nakakabingi ang katahimikan,” she stressed — describing the silence as deafening.
She noted that civil society groups that were once quick to issue statements have not been as vocal. Religious leaders who frequently speak on moral accountability have yet to weigh in. Even lawmakers who brand themselves as champions of transparency and accountability seem unusually quiet, she added.
Flood Control, ICC, and Impeachment Allegations
The Vice President also questioned what she sees as the lack of urgency from the current administration to investigate allegations tied to flood control funds, issues connected to the ICC, and even impeachment efforts against her.
Without directly naming names, Duterte suggested that investigations should not depend on political alliances.
“Hindi dapat selective ang galit sa isyu ng katiwalian,” she emphasized.
In other words: corruption is corruption — regardless of who is involved.
“The People’s Money Is Not for Suitcases”
Perhaps the most powerful line in her statement was her reminder that public funds are sacred.
“The people’s money should not be placed in suitcases,” she declared, “and the truth should not be placed in silence.”
It was both a warning and a challenge — to institutions, watchdogs, and the public.
As the political climate grows more intense, Duterte’s remarks are expected to further fuel discussions about accountability, consistency in investigations, and whether the fight against corruption is being applied fairly across the board.
Duterte said she admires the courage of former security personnel of ex-Congressman Zaldy Co who reportedly spoke out about the alleged delivery of suitcases filled with billions of pesos in government funds.
For her, coming forward with such claims takes bravery.
But here’s the bigger question she raised: Why the silence?
From Spotlight to Silence?
Duterte pointed out that when accusations were thrown her way, they immediately became the focus of congressional hearings, privilege speeches, and what she described as endless fishing expeditions conducted supposedly in aid of legislation.
Yet now, she said, when serious allegations involving billions in public funds surface, the reaction appears muted.
“Sadyang nakakabingi ang katahimikan,” she stressed — describing the silence as deafening.
She noted that civil society groups that were once quick to issue statements have not been as vocal. Religious leaders who frequently speak on moral accountability have yet to weigh in. Even lawmakers who brand themselves as champions of transparency and accountability seem unusually quiet, she added.
Flood Control, ICC, and Impeachment Allegations
The Vice President also questioned what she sees as the lack of urgency from the current administration to investigate allegations tied to flood control funds, issues connected to the ICC, and even impeachment efforts against her.
Without directly naming names, Duterte suggested that investigations should not depend on political alliances.
“Hindi dapat selective ang galit sa isyu ng katiwalian,” she emphasized.
In other words: corruption is corruption — regardless of who is involved.
“The People’s Money Is Not for Suitcases”
Perhaps the most powerful line in her statement was her reminder that public funds are sacred.
“The people’s money should not be placed in suitcases,” she declared, “and the truth should not be placed in silence.”
It was both a warning and a challenge — to institutions, watchdogs, and the public.
As the political climate grows more intense, Duterte’s remarks are expected to further fuel discussions about accountability, consistency in investigations, and whether the fight against corruption is being applied fairly across the board.
Mar 5, 2026
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