Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday questioned what she described as the “deafening silence” of civil society groups, religious leaders and lawmakers regarding calls for transparency and accountability amid allegations of large-scale government corruption revealed by former security personnel of resigned Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co.
In a statement posted on social media, Duterte highlighted the alleged delivery of suitcases containing billions of pesos in government funds by former aides of Co, pointing to a discrepancy in public scrutiny compared to investigations involving her.
“Sadyang nakakabingi ang katahimikan ng mga civil society groups na dati ay mabilis maglabas ng pahayag, ng mga religious leaders na handang manindigan sa usapin ng moralidad, at ng mga mambabatas na nagsasabing sila ay para sa transparency at accountability,” Duterte said.
She commended the courage of the former security personnel who came forward about the alleged delivery of the multi-billion peso government funds. Duterte contrasted this with what she described as the relentless investigations, privilege speeches, and “fishing expeditions” conducted against her, which were swiftly acted upon under the guise of legislative inquiries.
The Vice President is currently facing impeachment complaints for graft and corruption, malversation of public funds, and other high crimes. Duterte criticized the apparent lack of action by the current administration in investigating the alleged bribery linked to flood control projects, the International Criminal Court (ICC), and impeachment efforts targeting her.
Duterte also argued that accountability should not be selective.
“Hindi maaaring pumili kung sino lamang ang iimbestigahan. At hindi maaaring manahimik tuwing ang mga sangkot ay malapit sa kapangyarihan,“ she said.
“Ang pera ng bayan ay hindi dapat inilalagay sa maleta, at ang katotohanan ay hindi dapat inilalagay sa katahimikan,” Duterte emphasized.
The allegations of 18 supposed former Marines extend to former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who is accused of receiving $2 million from Co to fund an ICC investigation. Trillanes dismissed the claims as “blatant lies.”
Malacañang and various personalities implicated in the alleged payoffs have denied the accusations.
