MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has expressed alarm over the mounting “black propaganda” launched against her and the government agencies she heads, calling on the public to remain vigilant of the political interests of her detractors.
“The slander against me is becoming more intense, outrageous and desperate. These are all part of an organized demolition job, which aims to destroy my integrity and create an image where I am corrupt, abusive, a traitor and a warlord,” she said.
Duterte appeared in a video message after weeks of getting reports that her name and the names of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education were being used in scams by alleged fraudsters.
She also recalled accusations being levied against her, including the testimony accusing her of ordering extrajudicial killings in Davao City and accepting guns from Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy.
She also cited last year’s developments such as the confidential fund issue, the traffic-stopping incident in Commonwealth Ave. due supposedly to her convoy and the number of security detailed to her office.
“They discredit me to raise doubts, embarrass and discourage me. They want me to give up my sworn duty to serve the country. They do not want us to succeed for the education of Filipino children and their future, which is now under peril in the hands of corruption, crime, illegal drugs and terrorism,” she said.
Duterte thanked her supporters for remaining skeptical and ignoring the attacks against her.
“Let us remember that these hold personal and political interests. These are not your interests, not the interests of the country, nor of the Philippines,” she added.