By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday rejected Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that the administration is behind the allegations against her, saying the controversies surrounding her stem from her own actions.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Duterte should not blame the administration for the allegations, including those raised in the impeachment proceedings against her.
“Kung may sumisira man kay Bise Presidente, siya ang may kagagawan nun sa sarili niya (If there is anyone destroying the Vice President’s reputation, she is the one doing it to herself),” Castro said in a statement.
Castro said the Vice President should own up to her actions and answer allegations against her instead of pointing fingers.
“Sila ang nakinabang sa bawat sentimo na nakukuha nila o nadedeposito sa kanilang accounts ng mga banyaga at diumanong drug lords. Ang sarap at pagpapasasa ay nasa kanila kaya huwag magturo sa iba kapag nagkakabulgaran na ng mga anomalya. Panindigan nila ang mga ginawa nila (They supposedly benefited from every centavo they received or had deposited into their accounts by foreigners and alleged drug lords. They should not point fingers at others when alleged irregularities are being exposed. They should stand by their actions),” she added.
Duterte earlier accused the Palace and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of orchestrating efforts to tarnish her reputation, citing statements from the administration, the impeachment proceedings and allegations involving government projects.
Dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. recently detailed in his sworn affidavit before the National Bureau of Investigation alleged cash deliveries involving political figures, including former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and former lawmaker Zaldy Co, as well as public works contractors. His allegations included claims of cash deliveries allegedly connected to Duterte and members of her family.
Separately, detained former military agent Ramil Madriaga alleged in an affidavit submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman that Duterte’s 2022 vice presidential campaign was financed by illegal drug dealers and Philippine offshore gaming operators.
Duterte has categorically denied both accounts, describing the allegations as false and politically motivated
