Sara’s threats and theater, a smokescreen to P125M confi fund mess?

We have seen our share of political dramas in our lifetime, but Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent actions—laced with reckless threats and melodrama—take the cake. Perhaps from Mary Grace?

Lawyer Sara admitted to the criminal act of contracting a hitman for President Bongbong Marcos and his family. This, during a semi-siege at the Batasan Pambansa in defense of her chief of staff Atty. Zuleika Lopez.  What have these antics exposed? Not just her disregard for decorum, but more significantly, her desperate attempts to deflect scrutiny from her office’s questionable spending of confidential funds. Her unravelling traces its roots to the unresolved issue of how her Office of the Vice President (OVP) expended P125 million in confidential funds daily in many areas in one day. 

Public outcry has centered on the flagrant lack of transparency and accountability in this robbery -like operation. The audacious speed and secrecy with which the funds—our money as taxpayers—were withdrawn, disbursed, and liquidated. The fast and furious maneuvers deserve at least one break to snack on Piattos.  In this case, there’s no rest for the wicked.

Many veteran career officials found the process alarming in its deviation from standard protocols. Duterte and her trusted inner circle, including Lopez, have offered little to assuage the people’s concerns. Instead, they have chosen the path of “bratinella” defiance and obfuscation.

The brazenness of these transactions mirrors scenes from a crime thriller. Yet, this is no fictional “Money Heist”—it is a real-life plundering of public funds, a betrayal of trust by an office that not so long ago exemplified integrity.

At its core, this is not about Duterte’s politics or her disagreements with the administration. It is about the audacious misuse of power and money meant for the Filipino people. Let’s never forget. Duterte’s profanity-laced tirades and theatrics serve one purpose: to distract us—the public—from the damning revelations being laid bare at the House hearings.

Her threats to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other high-ranking officials, while conditional and couched in dramatic language, are deeply troubling. They showcase a lack of judgment and restraint, but more importantly they also shift attention away from the pressing issue of financial accountability.

The Vice President’s continued defense of Lopez adds another layer to this political circus. Her dramatic pledge to accompany Lopez to detention and her fiery attacks on the House’s leadership create a spectacle designed to evoke sympathy while undermining the constitutional principles of checks and balances.

But we the people are not distracted. At the heart of this uproar lies a simple question: Where did the confidential funds go, and how were they spent?  The entire nation is now demanding accountability.

First, for Congress to push through with its investigation into the OVP’s confidential funds. Lawmakers must resist any attempts to derail the inquiry and ensure that Duterte and her aides are held accountable. Pay particular attention to the SDO (special disbursement officers).

Second, we Filipino voters are demanding transparency. We will make our voices heard in the midterm elections in May. We will seize this opportunity to elect leaders committed to transparency and reform.

Sara Duterte’s actions serve as a cautionary tale: Misplaced trust can embolden leaders to trample on the principles of good governance.  That’s why we remind all public officials that their ultimate loyalty should be to us the people, not their inner circle.

The Vice President may think she can deflect attention with threats and drama, but the Filipino people are watching. And we demand answers: Ibabalik ba ang nilustay na confidential funds?

VP Sara’s bravado  a troubling sign of nation’s political volatility

Though VP Sara tried to downplay her “kill threat”, claiming they weren’t a direct threat due to their conditional phrasing, the implications are very alarming and sets a  dangerous precedent  of political intimidation in our country’s governance.

This is not mere bravado but a troubling sign of the volatility pervading Philippine politics today.  At the same time, it raises serious questions about her judgment and fitness for office. The ramifications are stark; her threats foster a hostile atmosphere that may cripple effective governance and collaborative policymaking. If Duterte feels emboldened to threaten high-ranking officials, it may stifle honest debate and cooperation essential for solving critical issues, from healthcare to economic recovery.

As calls for impeachment grow, propelled by concerns over her mental stability and allegations of misusing public funds, we must ask ourselves: Should the people still trust her  who shouts invectives, incites fear rather than promote dialogue?  The vice presidency position demands seriousness and decorum, not personal attacks or threats against rivals. Each time a leader resorts to intimidation over constructive engagement, they erode public trust and degrade civil discourse.  

In conclusion, it is time to demand more from our leaders: accountability, transparency, and respect for public service. We must move away from unjustified threats and embrace responsible governance. This moment should serve as a wake-up call, reminding us that democracy flourishes through active participation and accountability by the governed. The integrity of our political landscape hinges on this moment; let us step forward with purpose.