Marcos facing crisis of confidence – Sara

MANILA, Philippines — Judging from the way investigations on corruption are being conducted, President Marcos is facing a “profound crisis of confidence,” according to Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a statement yesterday, Duterte said ongoing investigations on anomalies in flood control projects involving officials and contractors “appear to lack both direction and resolve.”

“We also seek clear answers on how a budget that deprived Filipinos of billions and billions of pesos was approved under his watch,” Duterte added.

But Malacañang said it is Duterte who should shed light on the corruption issues hounding her when she was education secretary.

“Don’t pretend you’re clean if you’re not, and don’t play hero if you’re not,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a statement in Filipino.

The Vice President said she understands the people’s disappointment and anger because after months of investigations, none of the alleged perpetrators have been charged in court.

“Even before the flood control (corruption issue) was exposed, I have been in constant communication and listened to the complaints of our overseas Filipino workers about transparency, accountability, peace and security,” she said.

“I am one with the millions of Filipinos who have been disappointed and disgusted at the government that has been filled with insecurity and unsatisfied greed. Our right to speak out and express is the foundation of democracy,” the Vice President said.

Castro, meanwhile, said Duterte does not have the credibility to demand accountability and transparency as she herself is embroiled in corruption issues.

“Filipinos truly deserve better so the earlier issues tied to the Vice President about the alleged corruption involving confidential funds, the DepEd ghost students, the DepEd ghost food packs that happened under her watch should be explained first if she really believes in transparency and accountability,” Castro said.