Vice President Sara Duterte warned against what she described as the weakening of democratic institutions in the Philippines, saying government resources and agencies were being used against political opponents instead of addressing public concerns.

In a statement released Tuesday, June 2, Duterte said recent developments in the country should “alarm every Filipino who believes in democracy,” regardless of political affiliation.

She alleged that state institutions and public funds were being used to “silence opposing voices,” instead of focusing on pressing issues faced by citizens. Duterte did not cite specific incidents but pointed to what she described as growing political hostility toward dissent.

“A democracy cannot survive when those in power see every critic as an enemy and every opposing voice as a threat,” she said.

The vice president also stressed the importance of institutional independence, saying lawmakers and other officials should be free to perform their constitutional duties “without threats, pressure, or intimidation.”

Duterte added that a healthy opposition is essential to good governance and warned that efforts to suppress dissent reflect “insecurity” rather than strength.

She outlined what she called three “disturbing realities” in the current political climate: alleged attempts to distract from unresolved issues involving flood control projects, moves tied to a politically motivated impeachment process, and efforts to advance Charter change for expanded political power.

“These are the symptoms of a government that has become more preoccupied with protecting power than serving the people,” she said.

Duterte said democracy is not weakened by criticism but by leaders who fear it, urging the government to focus on problem-solving rather than silencing critics.