Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte responded to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s statement regarding alleged funding from the Chinese government for the Vice President.
According to the President, it would be alarming and a threat to national security if the Vice President indeed had connections to the Chinese.
This follows revelations by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV that the Dutertes received funding from China.
Mans Carpio, the Vice President’s husband, allegedly received P319 million from the Chinese government and corporations.
The Chinese Embassy reportedly gave P150 million to VP Duterte’s Tapang at Malasakit Foundation.
Marcos confirmed that the Department of National Defense (DND) is investigating the alleged links to the Chinese government regarding the cash inflows received by the Dutertes.
However, Duterte pushed back against the President’s statements.
According to the Vice President, challenging China is dangerous due to the Philippines’ deep ties with the country.
She noted that the matter is serious and could have significant repercussions for the relationship between the Philippines and China.
The Vice President also criticized the administration, describing it as desperate to cover up various issues facing the country.
These include improving the lives of many Filipinos, strengthening the economy, violence against the youth, corruption, and many others.
Malacañang countered Duterte’s statement, shifting the focus to the alleged smuggling of drugs via a shipment from Laos. Authorities are reportedly continuing to investigate the possibility of a link to the Golden Triangle—a major drug-producing region in Southeast Asia.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila had previously denied accusations that it provided funding and interfered in the country’s domestic politics.