Vice President Sara Duterte’s Allegations Against Marcos Jr.
Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent allegations against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have sparked intense debate. Officials reported that these claims are seen by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro as part of a broader effort to unseat the president and pave the way for Duterte’s own presidential ambitions.
Castro responded to Duterte’s remarks made during an August 20 interview in the Netherlands, where the Vice President said President Marcos smelled of alcohol when she tendered her resignation as Education Secretary in June 2024. Local leaders noted that Castro dismissed these statements, labeling them as difficult to take seriously given Duterte’s reputation as a “source of fake news.”
Accusations and Political Motives
“These stories against President Marcos Jr. are not true,” Castro said in Filipino. “It is easy for them to fabricate stories and spread propaganda, especially since former President Duterte admitted to being skilled in planting evidence and creating intrigue.” Community members emphasized Castro’s point that Duterte’s narratives aim to discredit the president because of her desire to replace him.
What Happened on the Resignation Day?
During the interview, Vice President Duterte challenged Castro’s claim that her time as Education Secretary was a failure. She recounted the events on the day she resigned, stating, “I told him [Marcos] that I don’t want to discuss why I’m resigning. I mean, for me, do I even need to ask that? Can’t you see what you’re doing to me? Or, it’s not like I’m a masochist that you will keep on attacking while I’m working for you.”
Duterte highlighted that the Department of Education was among the few departments delivering results under the administration. She also shared that President Marcos tried to convince her to reconsider by offering another Cabinet position and requested her assistance with senators in the 2025 midterm elections.
“But he smells of alcohol at 10:30 in the morning,” Duterte said, referring to their meeting time in the president’s office. “That’s when I confirmed my decision to resign. So, I’m not the failure. Maybe the failure is someone who, at just 10:30 in the morning, already smells of alcohol.”
Defending the Education Secretary’s Tenure
Despite Duterte’s claims, Castro stood firm in her assessment that her tenure was unsuccessful. She cited Duterte’s own admission during a public speaking engagement that she lacked expertise in developing the Matatag curriculum, stating she could not review it because she was unfamiliar with the education sector.
Castro further criticized the failure to distribute 1.5 million gadgets, laptops, and school materials from 2020 onwards, including during Duterte’s term as DepEd Secretary. “These materials could have helped countless students. Many could have benefited, but they were just neglected. Fortunately, Sec. Angara has now addressed this issue,” she said.
Additionally, officials mentioned allegations involving “ghost students” who supposedly received fake vouchers worth P100 million during Duterte’s leadership at the Department of Education.
For more news and updates on Vice President Sara Duterte’s allegations against Marcos Jr., visit Filipinokami.com.
