VP Sara’s dangerous rhetoric

Recent comments by Vice President Sara Duterte have shocked the nation’s political landscape. In a jaw-dropping outburst, she declared her thoughts  to “decapitate” President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., also vowing to dig up the grave of his father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and throw the remains into the West Philippine Sea. These incendiary remarks raise serious concerns about her judgment and the overall stability and decorum within the highest levels of government.

Let us be clear: this rhetoric is abhorrent. It incites violence and demonstrates an alarming lack of respect for history and the individuals who have shaped it—regardless of one’s opinion on their legacy. Referring to acts of violence and disrespecting the deceased undercuts the moral fabric of our governance. When leaders descend into such depths of barbarism in their language, we must question their temperament and suitability for office. Political discourse should be grounded in dignity and respect, particularly when discussing sensitive topics related to historical figures and the legacies they leave behind.

To publicly threaten the integrity of a former president’s grave—particularly one as controversial as Ferdinand Marcos Sr.—can only exacerbate divisions in a country still coming to terms with its authoritarian past. Such statements can potentially mobilize extremist elements within society while creating further strain in the already fraught relationship between the Duterte and Marcos families. This rhetoric threatens to plunge the nation into chaos instead of fostering unity and constructive dialogue among Filipinos.

VP Sara Duterte’s comments are especially troubling considering her position as the nation’s next leader. While she criticizes President Marcos for allegedly failing to lead us, she must simultaneously face scrutiny herself—particularly regarding how she manages her responsibilities and the funds at her disposal. Despite holding significant power, she has been notably reticent in detailing what transpired with public funds during her tenure. In a climate where transparency is paramount, her refusal to account for government expenditures raises more questions than it answers. 

As she accuses the highest office in the land, this is especially disturbing. If she cannot clarify her own actions, how can she claim authority to critique others’ leadership abilities? She demonstrates a lack of commitment to governance and accountability through her double standards

She may be following her father , former President Rodrigo Duterte on his pre-election statements in 2016 when he jokingly cursed the Pope, Obama and lied about going on jet ski to the West Philippine Sea.  There are enough reasons why this election strategy worked back then, including the increased influence of Duterte on social media, coupled with his incessant attacks on the credibility of the mainstream media.

But In the light of recent revelations about the Duterte drug war, the murder of a PCSO board secretary, the Pharmally scam, intelligence funds, huge pork allocations and other anomalies, now also  heavily amplified on social media, the general public will have a completely different perspective on the possibility of another Duterte in Malacañang.

Stable Electricity service should be for all Filipinos. 

Despite positive news about a rate cut from Meralco, customers are expressing their frustrations over high electricity rates, especially in areas not serviced by Meralco. As the primary power provider for Metro Manila and nearby provinces like Bulacan, Rizal, and Cavite, Meralco plays a critical role in the country’s energy landscape. Reports suggest that it also furnishes electricity to parts of Laguna, Batangas, and Pampanga—areas that have been grappling with ongoing service issues and steep energy costs.

Several factors contribute to these persistent challenges. First and foremost, electricity rates in the Philippines are not subsidized by government, and we lack energy independence; aside from renewable sources, most of our energy is imported. Additionally, various components of our electricity bills are pass-through costs. Generation charges are directed to power plant owners and the spot market, while transmission charges are collected by the country’s sole transmission grid operator. Taxes and subsidies benefit different sectors, including marginalized communities and renewable energy developers.

Fortunately for Meralco customers, even without timely reviews from energy regulators, the company continues to implement beneficial programs, many of which often go unappreciated. Recently, studies indicated that Meralco customers would save over

PHP 11 billion because of the company’s strategic approach to securing supply contracts, ensuring reliable electricity access at lower costs once existing contracts expire. Although generation charges remain pass-through costs, these efforts ultimately benefit customers.

Meralco has also invested heavily in substations, distribution facilities, and smart meters. Despite regulatory delays concerning approved tariff adjustments, it is expected that such a large utility company continues to enhance customer experience. However, many tend to overlook these investments, especially since they enjoy relatively stable service.

Yet, it’s essential to recognize that parts of the country remain in darkness. Some communities struggle with inadequate access to electricity or have become accustomed to prolonged brownouts that they mistake for the norm. For example, reports during recent Earth Hour in Batangas experienced outages lasting up to 16 hours, raising alarm bells over service reliability. If similar outages happened in Metro Manila, it would undoubtedly trigger immediate congressional hearings and outrage. This glaring disparity underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to ensure equitable access to reliable electricity across all regions of the country.

The persistent issues surrounding energy distribution compel us to confront a deeper problem: an alarming disconnect between urban and rural experiences with electricity access. It reflects an overarching mindset that prioritizes resources and attention on metropolitan areas while neglecting those in less accessible regions. Currently, it is frustrating that many Filipinos still operate under an “Imperial Manila” perspective, leaving vast segments of the population struggling for basic services.

Moving forward, addressing these discrepancies should be prioritized by both Meralco and other power distributors. They must work collaboratively with government agencies to seek support and investment aimed at upgrading infrastructure across underserved areas.

In conclusion, while Meralco’s recent announcements regarding rate cuts are commendable, they represent just one piece of a much larger puzzle. There are millions more consumers suffering from intermittent and prolonged blackouts in the rest of Luzon and other various regions. In these areas, Meralco’s expertise in power distribution is needed.  Let our kababayans there enjoy the benefits of a stable electricity service like here in Metro Manila.

As we advocate for fair energy practices and equitable access, the challenge is fundamentally reshaping the energy sector to prioritize all Filipinos equitably, ensuring no one is left powerless in their own homes.