Vice President Sara Duterte on Political Persecution
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte expressed that she holds no ill feelings toward President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. despite facing what she described as “political persecution”. She framed these challenges as a natural part of a politician’s journey.
When asked about any invitation from Marcos for a reconciliation meeting—a gesture the President had previously shown openness to—Duterte clarified she has yet to receive any such request. “I have not received any request for a sit-down or any meeting with President Marcos,” she said during a chance interview with reporters in Melbourne, Australia.
Political Rift and Past Alliances
The political persecution issue has emerged amid a growing political rift between Duterte and Marcos since early 2024. The two had initially run together in the 2022 elections under the UniTeam slate. However, Duterte officially cut ties with the administration and has since been openly critical of Marcos.
Despite the tension, Duterte emphasized that she does not bear personal grudges against the President regarding the political challenges she faces. “I have no ill feelings with him with regard to the political persecution that I am receiving from the administration because that is part of the life of a politician,” she said.
Concerns Over Philippine Sovereignty
Still, Duterte remains critical of Marcos in his role as President. She specifically took issue with actions she believes undermine Philippine sovereignty. Chief among these is the arrest of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, ordered by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“That was really an affront to Philippine sovereignty,” she stated firmly. Former President Duterte is currently detained at the ICC detention center in Scheveningen, The Hague. He faces charges of alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s war on drugs.
The Impact of the War on Drugs
The controversial war on drugs resulted in at least 6,000 officially reported deaths. However, human rights groups estimate the toll to be as high as 20,000, highlighting the deep scars and ongoing debates surrounding this policy.
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