Vice President Sara Duterte Stresses Priority on Lives
SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Vice President Sara Duterte reminded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday that his primary duty is to improve the lives of Filipinos, not just participate in photo opportunities. This statement came amid the recent destruction of P9.48 billion worth of illegal drugs in Tarlac province.
Duterte emphasized that while such events may look impressive in pictures, they do not necessarily translate to real progress. “It’s not the President’s job to do photo ops with seized drugs or to do photo ops during the destruction of confiscated drugs,” she said in a media interview, speaking in Filipino.
She added, “Because it looks good on paper, it looks good in pictures, but it’s not really like that. You should make sure that the life of every Filipino is actually improving.”
Challenges to the ‘Bloodless’ Drug War Claims
The vice president also questioned President Marcos’ claims regarding the success of his administration’s so-called “bloodless” drug war. She argued that the real impact of the campaign will only be clear by the end of his term.
While the President led the destruction of illegal drugs valued at over P9.48 billion, Duterte urged a focus on tangible improvements in Filipino lives rather than symbolic acts. Local leaders noted that addressing the root causes of illegal drugs and poverty is essential for lasting change.
Looking Beyond Photo Ops
Duterte’s remarks highlight growing concerns about the emphasis on public displays instead of substantive solutions. She insists that the administration should prioritize policies and programs that uplift communities and protect citizens.
The destruction event, held at Clean Leaf International Corporation in Tarlac, was part of the government’s ongoing campaign against illegal drugs. However, critics argue that these activities often serve as photo opportunities rather than meaningful interventions.
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