VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte delivered a passionate address, urging Filipinos to cast a straight vote for her endorsed candidates, framing it as a crucial step to “save the Philippines.”
Duterte began by expressing gratitude to God, former President Rodrigo Duterte, her supporters, and her family. She emphasized the “debt of gratitude” her family owed to the Filipino people for the opportunity to serve the nation.
“This position I hold is not for me; it is for President Rodrigo Duterte,” she stated, alluding to her father’s alleged “kidnapping.” “But fate called upon me because our father was taken.”
She declared her love for the Philippines and its people, framing the election as a pivotal moment for the country’s future. “This election will decide the future of our country,” she said. “Your vote will determine if change continues or if we descend into calamity.”
Duterte criticized the current administration, alleging a “systematic demolition job against political opponents.” She refuted claims that her family was the source of the country’s problems, asking, “Who truly benefits if the Duterte family is erased from the world?” She cited the administration’s alleged failure to address poverty, crime, and hunger.
She accused the government of lacking understanding of the Filipino people’s plight and of being incapable of making decisions for the nation’s welfare. She condemned alleged violations of the constitution, the “kidnapping” of former President Duterte, and the use of government aid for vote-buying.
“Filipinos deserve better,” she asserted, calling for long-term solutions to food security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation. She also emphasized the need for peace and order, urging the eradication of crime, drugs, terrorism, and insurgency through a “non-partisan” police and military.
Duterte called for an end to “political dynasties,” urging voters to reject candidates based on celebrity or family name. She also criticized party-list organizations controlled by “Datus” (local leaders) and called for an end to election fraud and deception.
She explicitly endorsed a slate of senatorial candidates, including Rodante Marcoleta, Jimmy Bondoc, Vic Rodriguez, Ronald Dela Rosa, Bong Go, Apollo Quiboloy, Raul Lambino, Jayvee Hinlo, Philip Salvador, and Marites Mata. Notably, she also announced her support for Imee Marcos and Camille Villar.
Duterte warned of alleged election fraud, claiming an “alliance” of the administration, “elitist liberals,” and “so-called nationalists” sought to manipulate the outcome. She described this alliance as a threat to the country’s progress, likening it to the “darkness of narco-politics” and the government’s alleged mishandling of Typhoon Yolanda.
“On May 12, we must be vigilant,” she said. “Vote with integrity, vote with courage. Let us show the world that no amount of vote-buying or cheating can suppress the fury burning in our hearts.” She concluded her speech with a call to “save the Philippines.”
