VP Sara Duterte Criticizes President Marcos Over OFW Repatriation Absence
Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly criticized President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., stating he has "many shortcomings as President" during a media interview on Monday, March 16, 2026. The criticism came in response to questions about President Marcos's absence at the airport to personally receive overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were being repatriated amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Airport Reception Sparks Political Tension
The Vice President made these remarks during a media interview on the sidelines of an event in Digos City, Davao del Sur, where she attended the unveiling of a statue honoring slain Tres de Mayo Barangay Captain Oscar "Dodong" Bucol. When reporters asked about returning OFWs who reportedly felt disappointed that the President did not personally welcome them at the airport, Duterte expressed solidarity with Filipino migrant workers affected by the ongoing conflict.
"Nakikiisa tayo sa pinagdadaanan ng karamihan nating mga kababayan na overseas Filipino workers dahil sa kaguluhan — dahil sa giyera doon sa Middle East. At kung ano man yong maitutulong ng Office of the Vice President ay gagawin namin. Ipaalam lang sa amin paano kami makakatulong," she said in Filipino, emphasizing that her office remains ready to extend assistance through its emergency programs.
Direct Criticism of Presidential Leadership
When specifically asked whether the President's absence from the airport reinforced her earlier remarks questioning his effectiveness as a leader, Duterte reiterated her criticism without hesitation. "Marami siyang kakulangan bilang Presidente. Hindi lamang sa pagbibigay ng simpatya at empathy sa ating mga kababayan. More than that ay 'yung problema at iskandalo sa paggamit ng pera ng bayan," she stated, suggesting broader concerns about governance and fiscal management.
The Vice President highlighted that the Office of the Vice President operates the Relief for Indigents and Individuals in Crises and Emergencies (RIICE) program, which provides support to Filipinos facing urgent situations, including those affected by international conflicts or displacement. She encouraged returning migrant workers to coordinate with her office if they require any form of assistance.
Government Response and Repatriation Efforts
According to Malacañang, President Marcos has not personally attended the arrival of repatriated OFWs at the airport because he is focused on overseeing broader repatriation operations and coordinating assistance programs for returning workers. Palace officials explained that the President has delegated on-ground reception duties to agencies tasked with migrant worker welfare, while he handles higher-level policy and logistical decisions related to the crisis response.
The government has arranged chartered flights under the Bagong Pilipinas Repatriation Program to bring Filipinos home from affected areas. Flights departing from Riyadh and Dubai, via Fujairah, have already transported hundreds of OFWs and their dependents back to the Philippines, with more than 1,000 Filipinos expected to benefit from the ongoing initiative.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) have deployed personnel at airports in Manila to assist returning workers with services including:
- Temporary shelter arrangements
- Financial aid distribution
- Counseling services
- Reintegration support programs
Strategic Priorities and Economic Concerns
Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro stated that President Marcos is prioritizing strategic decision-making to ensure the repatriation program runs smoothly and that sufficient assistance is prepared for affected families. Castro added that aside from overseeing repatriation logistics, Marcos is also working with economic managers to mitigate the possible economic impact of the Middle East conflict on Filipino workers and their remittances.
Ceremonial Context in Digos City
Meanwhile, Duterte's visit to Digos City was primarily for the unveiling of a memorial statue honoring the late barangay captain Oscar "Dodong" Bucol, who is remembered for his outspoken stance against corruption. Bucol was killed in a widely publicized incident last November 2025 while livestreaming on Facebook after he accused a government official of corruption.
During the ceremony, Duterte expressed hope that justice would eventually be served not only for Bucol but also for other Filipinos who have faced threats or violence for speaking out against wrongdoing. She stressed that protecting individuals who speak the truth remains an important part of strengthening democratic institutions in the country, noting that Bucol's legacy reflects the courage of ordinary citizens who stand up against corruption and abuse of power despite the risks involved.
