MANILA — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III expressed concern for Vice President Sara Duterte, hoping she has trusted family or close friends to whom she can confide her frustrations privately.
This comes after her controversial statements last Friday, where she criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., mentioned having “daydreams” about beheading him, and even threatened to exhume the remains of his late father, the former President.
Duterte’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions—some criticizing her for being inappropriate for a high-ranking official, while others praise her boldness and defiance.
Pimentel, who served as Senate President during the tenure of Duterte’s father, said, “Sana may mga close friends and family siya na nakikinig and ma-advisean siya.
Na meron siyang mga sessions na nailalabas niya yung mga damdamin na ganoon,” expressing hope that Duterte has outlets to express her emotions and receive sound advice.
During the Friday press conference, Duterte revealed her strained relationship with President Marcos Jr., describing it as “toxic.” She also warned Sen. Imee Marcos, the President’s sister, about potentially exhuming their father’s remains from the Libingan ng mga Bayani if attacks against her and her family persist.
Pimentel admitted he initially thought the press conference might have been a deepfake due to the unusual nature of the comments. He further added that Duterte should speak to experts, as she may need more specialized advice beyond what he, as a lawyer, could provide.
House leaders have also voiced their concerns, suggesting that Duterte might benefit from a psychological assessment to address possible deeper issues.
Meanwhile, Sen. Cynthia Villar of the administration-aligned Nacionalista Party acknowledged Duterte’s anger, which she attributed to the pressure and criticisms being leveled against her.
A House panel has been investigating the usage of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, previously led by Duterte, which she claims are being used to undermine her credibility.
Sen. Villar urged reconciliation, saying, “Sana mag-ano na lang, magbati na lang para walang problema.” Pimentel echoed similar sentiments but acknowledged that the growing rift between the Marcos and Duterte camps might be too difficult to mend.
Despite this, Pimentel sees a potential silver lining in Duterte’s recent outbursts, calling them an opportunity for a healthy check and balance within the administration.
“That’s a welcome development sa isang demokrasya, that there is someone — some party, some group — checking the administration,” Pimentel noted.