Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent statement thanking President Bongbong Marcos Jr. and his administration for their unwavering support in defending her controversial “intel funds” is a masterclass in political gaslighting and obfuscation.
In her attempt to deflect criticism and silence her critics, Duterte fails to address the core issues at hand and resorts to baseless accusations and empty rhetoric.
“Thank you to Rep. Stella Quimbo of the Second District of Marikina for bravely and rationally facing a gang of individuals who had successfully mastered the art of fabricating lies,” Duterte said in a statement posted on Twitter, formerly X.
“These efforts are genuinely appreciated because they help counter the lies told by Rep. France Castro and the Makabayan bloc in Congress on the 2022 OVP CF,” she added.
Are there any examples of the lies the VP is complaining about? She didn’t provide any at all.
First and foremost, Duterte’s gratitude seems misplaced, as she conveniently ignores the fact that her critics were merely seeking transparency and accountability regarding the use of public funds.
Instead of providing concrete evidence and answers during the Senate inquiry, she chose to label her detractors as liars without citing a single example of the alleged falsehoods.
This tactic is not only intellectually lazy but also a disservice to the Filipino people who deserve to know how their money is being spent.
“It’s a shame they still cannot produce any proof to support their dirty imagination,” she said, sounding like a cry-bully.
Duterte’s performance during the hearing left much to be desired. Her nervousness and arrogance were evident, making it clear that she was ill-prepared to justify her “intel funds.”
Rather than addressing the legitimate concerns of the Senate, she resorted to deflecting and evading questions, further eroding her credibility.
Then she said: “But I believe the lies they peddled to the public will eventually lose their charm and the OVP and DepEd will persist, be vindicated, and realize their aspirations for the Filipinos and the country.”
Hilarious!
Duterte’s failure to grasp the distinction between a difference of opinion and questioning the use of her “intel fund” highlights her inability to engage in constructive dialogue.
We have a term for that kind of mindset, and it’s called “entitlement mentality.”
Accusing her critics of lying merely for holding a differing viewpoint is not only intellectually dishonest but also an affront to the principles of democracy and accountability.
Duterte’s attempts to discredit Rep. France Castro, the Makabayan bloc, and Senator Risa Hontiveros as purveyors of falsehoods are nothing but cheap political theatrics. If she truly believes in her innocence, she should have provided concrete evidence to refute their claims instead of resorting to name-calling and character assassination.
In the end, Vice President Sara Duterte’s statement is a disappointing display of political maneuvering and an insult to the intelligence of the Filipino people.
It is a stark reminder that transparency, accountability, and genuine public service should always be the cornerstone of any government official’s actions, rather than empty words and diversionary tactics. The Filipino people deserve better.
The Daily Netizen 