Lawmaker hits back at Duterte’s “pitiful” claim, urges accountability in leadership
Jamayka Rhose Pascual
Congressman Perci Cendaña slammed Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent claim during her virtual press conference on November 23, saying that the Philippines is in a pitiful state.
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Photo Courtesy of KUMAGCOW.COM/SunStar Philippines. |
According to Cendaña, while Duterte’s claim may be accurate, the Duterte family’s political influence contributes to the country’s struggles.
“Ang Pilipinas ay nakakaawa, totoo po ‘yan. Pero dapat marealize ni VP Sara na ang isang dahilan kaya talaga nakakaawa ang ating bansa ay ang kanilang pamilya,” he stated in a chance interview.
He added that corruption is one of the root causes of the country’s problems, pointing to allegations involving the misuse of confidential funds.
“At isa pang dahilan ay ang korapsyon na ineexemplify niya ngayong siya ay vice president na,” Cendaña said.
While Duterte also calls for accountability, Cendaña stressed that her political legacy contradicts these efforts.
“So para hindi maging kaawa awa ang Pilipinas, kinakailangan ng accountability at dapat maging accountable si VP Sara,” he argued.
In a separate virtual press conference, Duterte admitted coming from a political dynasty but urged voters to carefully consider politicians' track records.
“Galing ako sa political dynasty, obvious naman ‘yan. Pero hindi dahil galing sa pamilya ng pulitiko ay automatic na ang boto n’yo. Pagisipan n’yo kung ano ang kapasidad ng tao na ‘yan,” the vice president stated.
According to reports, this statement was directed at House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Duterte also warned the public about the dangers of vote-buying, which she claims has become more subtle, as politicians disguised it for “ayuda” or relief goods.
She then questioned the feasibility of Marcos' campaign promise of ₱20 per kilo of rice.
"This country is going to hell because we are led by a person who doesn't know how to be a president and who is a liar," Duterte declared.
At the same time, the vice president has been dealing with controversy surrounding the handling of confidential funds in both the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
Duterte defended her office against her alleged misuse of funds, arguing that there was no proof to back up such claims.
"Ni wala nga kayong isang proof na confidential funds 'yan,” she argued.
Duterte then accused Romualdez of misusing public funds for personal gain and circumventing legislative functions.
"Anong ginagawa ni Martin Romualdez? Nagdi-direct, nag-DSWD, nagbibigay ng ayuda... Sino ba ang presidente dito?" she asked.