Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday accused civil society groups, religious leaders, and legislators of selective silence over allegations that billions of pesos in government funds were delivered in suitcases, while criticizing the current administration for its inaction on what she described as bribery linked to flood control projects, the International Criminal Court, and impeachment efforts against her.
In a statement, Duterte said she admired the “courage” of former Congressman Zaldy Co’s security personnel, who she said came forward to speak about the alleged cash deliveries.
But she said the same voices that rushed to investigate her have gone quiet now that the accusations point elsewhere.
“Deliberately deafening is the silence of civil society groups that were quick to issue statements, of religious leaders willing to take a stand on matters of morality, and of legislators who claim to stand for transparency and accountability,” Duterte said.
She said the current administration has shown no urgency in probing the alleged billions in bribes, and warned that anti-corruption outrage cannot be applied selectively.
“It cannot choose who to investigate. And it cannot stay silent when those involved are close to power,” she said. “The people’s money should not be placed in a suitcase, and the truth should not be placed in silence.”
Duterte closed her statement with the Arabic word “Shukran,” meaning “thank you.”
Her remarks come amid ongoing congressional inquiries and calls from various sectors for accountability over alleged misuse of public funds.
