Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, October 12, accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of endangering the Philippines, warning that the country faces serious risks under his leadership amid a growing controversy over alleged Chinese funding linked to her family.
In an official statement, Duterte criticized Marcos’ recent remarks that allegations linking her to Chinese funds could pose a national security threat if proven true.
“Kung nanganganib man ang ating bansa — nanganganib ito sa kamay ni Bongbong Marcos,” Duterte said.
She argued that the President’s statement had serious implications for her personal security and the country’s national security, claiming it effectively portrayed her as a threat and could justify the use of government intelligence and law enforcement agencies to monitor and pressure her.
Duterte also questioned the implications of Marcos’ remarks for Filipino businesses engaged in trade with China, saying the statement could cast suspicion on entrepreneurs who conduct legitimate business with the country.
She further warned that Marcos’ statements could strain diplomatic relations between Manila and Beijing, describing them as a potentially dangerous challenge to China.
The Vice President accused Marcos of using the China controversy to divert public attention from what she described as his administration’s failures in addressing corruption, criminality, economic difficulties and questionable insertions in the national budget.
She also criticized the administration’s handling of the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea, alleging that the President’s remarks could distract from his failure to address the issue effectively.
Duterte claimed that the country’s security and regional stability could be affected by the administration’s approach to the dispute.
“Bigo si Bongbong Marcos na mapabuti ang buhay ng mga Pilipino. Bigo si Bongbong Marcos na mapalakas ang ekonomiya ng bansa. Bigo si Bongbong Marcos na mapatibay ang ating mga institusyon,” she said.
The statement came after Marcos said during a press briefing in Singapore on Sunday that allegations involving Chinese money linked to Duterte warranted a thorough investigation because of their potential national security implications.
“If it’s real, then it’s very serious. If not, well and good, that’s one less thing that we all need to worry about,” Marcos said.
The controversy follows testimony during the Vice President’s ongoing impeachment proceedings involving financial transactions associated with Cale88 Foods Corp., a company linked to her husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio.
Anti-Money Laundering Council records presented during the proceedings reportedly showed approximately ₱319.33 million in remittances from China and Hong Kong to the company.
The National Security Council has said it is looking into the allegations.
However, the reported transactions do not, by themselves, establish that the funds came from the Chinese government or that any illegal activity occurred.
The President and the Vice President ran as allies under the UniTeam ticket in the 2022 elections, but their relationship has since deteriorated amid disagreements and mounting political disputes.
Duterte concluded her statement by warning Filipinos that she expects further hardship under Marcos’ leadership.
“Wala na tayong aasahan pa sa pamumuno ni Bongbong Marcos kundi dagdag na pasakit at hirap,” she said.
Duterte had accused the Marcos administration of orchestrating what she described as a campaign to discredit her and prevent her from running in the 2028 elections.
