MANILA – Vice President Sara Duterte questioned whether doing business with China should be considered a national security risk following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s statement on alleged Chinese remittances involving a company linked to her family.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, October 12, following the 91st anniversary celebration of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), Duterte expressed concern over the President’s remarks.
“Bawal ba talaga mag-negosyo with China? Because it is a national security risk?” Duterte asked.
Her statement came after Marcos said on Sunday, October 11, that allegations involving funds from Chinese companies flowing into businesses associated with the Vice President’s family could constitute a serious national security issue if proven true.
Marcos described the matter as a potential “threat at the highest level,” emphasizing the security implications of the allegations.
Duterte, however, questioned whether the President’s position could also apply to other Filipino businesses engaged in legitimate trade with China.
“Nakakabahala ito dahil parang sinasabi niyang ‘yung mga nagnenegosyo na mayroong trade sa China ay threat din sa bansa. Napakarami nun,” she said.
The Vice President also expressed concern that Marcos may have considered her a security threat since 2023.
“Nakakabahala ito na manggagaling iyong ganyang pahayag mula kay BBM dahil parang inamin na rin niyang simula noong 2023, itinuring niya akong threat,” Duterte added.
The controversy follows allegations raised during the ongoing impeachment proceedings concerning financial transactions involving companies associated with Duterte’s family.
The President’s remarks were conditional on the allegations being established and did not explicitly declare ordinary commercial transactions with China a national security threat.
The alleged remittances and their implications remain subject to further examination, and no finding of wrongdoing has been established solely on the basis of the reported transactions.
