VP Sara Duterte Lambasts Marcos Administration Over Middle East Conflict Preparedness
Vice President Sara Duterte has launched a scathing critique against the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., accusing it of failing to adequately prepare for the potential impacts of the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters in Davao City on March 11, Duterte emphasized that warnings about the threat of war had been circulating since 2022, based on intelligence briefings from foreign governments that predicted a major regional conflict around 2025.
Lack of Government Preparation
Duterte stated clearly: "We have not seen the administration doing anything. The threat of war—we have already heard about that as early as 2022. We have seen it in all the briefings, especially those coming from foreign governments that were already looking at the possibility of a war by 2025."
She further elaborated that the government should have initiated comprehensive preparations starting in 2022. However, Duterte asserted that no visible preparations or solutions have been implemented to address the potential problems that may arise in the coming months and years due to the Middle East situation.
Connection to Corruption Scandals
In a pointed extension of her criticism, Duterte linked the administration's response to the Middle East crisis with unresolved corruption allegations involving flood control projects. She highlighted that nearly a year has passed since President Marcos publicly admonished officials over the misuse of flood control funds, yet accountability remains elusive.
"Well, it has almost been a year, ma'am. Since President Marcos said, 'You should be ashamed.' It's been nearly a year now. Yet until now, no one has been held accountable for the flood control scandal and the corruption that occurred in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 budgets," Duterte remarked.
She drew a direct parallel between the handling of the corruption scandal and the administration's approach to the Middle East conflict, suggesting that the lack of action in one area indicates a similar pattern of inaction in the other.
Government Monitoring and Response
The Philippine government has been actively monitoring developments in the Middle East, where rising tensions have raised significant concerns over the safety of Filipino workers and potential disruptions to the global oil supply. In response to the chaos in the region, dozens of Filipinos have been repatriated through chartered flights arranged by the government, coinciding with a surge in oil prices.
To mitigate the effects of the looming oil price crisis, President Marcos has ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development to distribute P5,000 in financial assistance to all public utility drivers starting next week. This initiative is part of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program, aimed at providing relief during economic hardships.
Duterte's comments underscore a growing political divide and highlight critical issues of governance, preparedness, and accountability as the Philippines navigates complex international challenges.
