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Advocates Philippines
Sara Duterte: Democracy At Risk When Dissent Is Silenced
Screengrab from Inday Sara Duterte's FB
Vice President Sara Z. Duterte has expressed concern over what she described as the growing use of government institutions and public resources against political opposition, warning that such actions could weaken democratic principles in the country.
In a statement released on June 2, Duterte said recent developments should alarm Filipinos who believe in democracy, regardless of their political affiliations.
According to the Vice President, government power should be focused on addressing the concerns of ordinary citizens rather than targeting critics and dissenting voices.
“A democracy cannot survive when those in power see every critic as an enemy and every opposing voice as a threat,” Duterte said.
She also stressed the importance of protecting the independence of government institutions, including Congress, and ensuring that lawmakers can perform their constitutional duties without fear of pressure or intimidation.
“Good governance does not require the elimination of opposition. Democracy works best when there is a healthy opposition that is free to question,” she said.
Duterte argued that a government’s ability to accept criticism is a measure of its strength, adding that efforts to suppress dissent may indicate deeper concerns within those in power.
“A government that fears dissent is not demonstrating strength. It is revealing insecurity. And that insecurity is reflected in the direction our country is taking today,” she said.
The Vice President also pointed to what she described as three major issues facing the country: the alleged diversion of attention from questions surrounding the flood control controversy, the pursuit of what she called a politically motivated impeachment process, and efforts to advance Charter Change.
“These are the symptoms of a government that has become more preoccupied with protecting power than serving the people,” Duterte said.
She concluded her statement by calling for a government focused on solving problems, strengthening institutions, and serving the public interest.
“The Filipino people deserve a government focused on solving problems, not silencing critics; on strengthening institutions, not bending them to political ends; and on serving the nation, not perpetuating power.”
“Democracy is not weakened by dissent. Democracy is weakened when those in power become afraid of it.”
In a statement released on June 2, Duterte said recent developments should alarm Filipinos who believe in democracy, regardless of their political affiliations.
According to the Vice President, government power should be focused on addressing the concerns of ordinary citizens rather than targeting critics and dissenting voices.
“A democracy cannot survive when those in power see every critic as an enemy and every opposing voice as a threat,” Duterte said.
She also stressed the importance of protecting the independence of government institutions, including Congress, and ensuring that lawmakers can perform their constitutional duties without fear of pressure or intimidation.
“Good governance does not require the elimination of opposition. Democracy works best when there is a healthy opposition that is free to question,” she said.
Duterte argued that a government’s ability to accept criticism is a measure of its strength, adding that efforts to suppress dissent may indicate deeper concerns within those in power.
“A government that fears dissent is not demonstrating strength. It is revealing insecurity. And that insecurity is reflected in the direction our country is taking today,” she said.
The Vice President also pointed to what she described as three major issues facing the country: the alleged diversion of attention from questions surrounding the flood control controversy, the pursuit of what she called a politically motivated impeachment process, and efforts to advance Charter Change.
“These are the symptoms of a government that has become more preoccupied with protecting power than serving the people,” Duterte said.
She concluded her statement by calling for a government focused on solving problems, strengthening institutions, and serving the public interest.
“The Filipino people deserve a government focused on solving problems, not silencing critics; on strengthening institutions, not bending them to political ends; and on serving the nation, not perpetuating power.”
“Democracy is not weakened by dissent. Democracy is weakened when those in power become afraid of it.”
Jun 2, 2026
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