San Fernando City, Pampanga — Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday delivered one of her most direct critiques yet of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration, describing the current state of the country as “dire” and “frustrating.” She also confirmed she will not attend the President’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.
“The state of the nation is dire, it is sad, and for me personally, it is frustrating,” Duterte said during a press conference in Pampanga.
Her remarks signal growing tensions between the country’s top two leaders, whose alliance during the 2022 national elections was seen as instrumental in securing their landslide victories. Duterte’s decision to skip the annual SONA further fuels speculation over a widening rift between her and President Marcos.
Frustration Over Governance, International Perception
The Vice President expressed concern that the Philippines is being perceived negatively abroad, saying she felt embarrassed as a Filipino knowing how other countries might be viewing the situation under the current leadership.
Beyond national issues, Duterte also responded strongly to criticisms regarding her recent overseas trips.
In particular, she addressed comments made by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, who questioned whether Duterte’s recent visit to Australia was official or personal.
“Hindi kasi nila naiintindihan…hindi ko alam kung sinasadya nila na ayaw intindihin o talagang bobo lang talaga ang nasa administrasyon. I’d likely lean doon sa latter,” Duterte said, in an unusually blunt statement referring to her critics.
Duterte clarified that only official travels are funded by the government. Personal trips, she insisted, are paid for privately—even if she continues to perform work duties during them.
“Hindi ibig sabihin na personal na lakad ‘yan ay holiday o pamamasyal ‘yan. ‘Yun ang ibig sabihin ng personal—walang ginamit na pera ng gobyerno sa lakad na ito pero nagtatrabaho pa rin ako,” she said.
She continued her criticism, asserting that the administration lacks the capacity—or willingness—to understand her actions.
“Kung hindi sila bobo, maiintindihan nila ‘yung ginagawa ko. Bobo kasi sila eh kaya hindi nila naiintindihan. Umupo sila, tignan nila. Hindi ko sasabihin kung ano ginagawa ko. I don’t like talking about how I think and what I think, so kung meron silang gusto basahin doon, good luck,” she added.
Rejects “Pro-China” Label
Duterte also dismissed accusations that she and her family are “pro-China,” a long-running narrative that resurfaced after she criticized the Marcos administration’s approach to the West Philippine Sea dispute.
Earlier this week, Undersecretary Castro said President Marcos anticipated Duterte’s criticisms due to the Duterte family’s perceived closeness with Beijing.
“The President said, ‘We expect that from the Dutertes because they are pro-China. At ang Pangulo po ay pro-Filipinos,’” Castro said in a briefing.
In response, Duterte emphasized her commitment to balanced foreign relations.
“Hindi nila dapat nila ako pinapasagot kung pro-China ako. Sagutin niya ang tanong ko: Where is the independent foreign policy that is required by the Constitution? Where is it right now? Explain to the Filipino people how you are going to implement your independent foreign policy,” she said.
“Matagal na nilang narrative na pro-China ako. I am not pro any country at all. Ang sinasabi ko lagi, we need to develop, we need to maintain, and we need to level up our relations with all countries, hindi lang sa China,” she added.
Criticism of Drug War Optics
Duterte also took a veiled swipe at the President’s recent appearance at a drug destruction event, hinting that the administration is prioritizing photo opportunities over tangible results.
“Hindi trabaho ng Presidente ang mag-photo op sa nahuli na drugs at mag-photo op sa pagsira ng drugs,” she said.
Her remarks came just hours after President Marcos oversaw the destruction of nearly ₱9.5 billion worth of illegal drugs in Tarlac province—a move widely publicized by the Palace as a strong stance against narcotics.
