VP Sara denies funding alleged destabilization plot

Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday dismissed a report that she was among the financiers of a supposed destabilization plot against the government, calling it "chismis" without evidence.

“Kapag meron kang alegasyon, wala kang ebidensya, ang tawag niyan ay chismis o ang tawag sa iyo ay chismosa,” she told reporters during relief operations at some stops in Negros Occidental for residents affected by Typhoon Tino.

(If you make allegations without evidence, that’s gossip—and you’re a gossipmonger.)

She was responding to journalist Ramon Tulfo’s claim that she, her brother Davao City Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson were financing a destabilization plot against the government.

Advice for Bato

Duterte also said she has advised Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to prepare for possible developments in the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into the previous administration’s war on drugs, after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that the ICC has issued an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa.

“Sinabi ko sa kanya din na ang paghahanda niya magsisimula sa pagpili niya ng isang international law expert at merong experience sa ICC,” she said

(I told him that his preparation should start with choosing an international law expert experienced with the ICC.)

She also confirmed that the defense team of former President Rodrigo Duterte was “happy” with the ICC’s action on their request for an indefinite suspension of proceedings.

“We are happy with the development that there is action on the court on the request by the defense team for indefinite [suspension] of the case,” she said.

On Palace party amid typhoon

Duterte also criticized Malacañang over a party held last week while Typhoon Tino battered parts of the Visayas, saying government officials should be sensitive to the suffering of storm victims.

She was referring to a concert event and book launch event hosted by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, which coincided with the typhoon’s onslaught.

“Hindi po ito pagsusuot ng costume tulad ng Snow White para mag-party-party. Hindi naman ito sagot eh,” Duterte said during an ambush interview in Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental.?

(This is not about dressing up like Snow White to party. That’s not the answer.)

The Vice President said the Palace owes the public an explanation about why such events took place during a calamity affecting the nation.

“Hindi na pwede ngayon sa atin na hindi sinasagot yung tanong,” she said. “Dapat kapag itinatanong ang Office of the President… kailangan nila sumagot ng maayos kung ano ba ‘yung kanilang explanation.”

(It’s no longer acceptable to avoid questions. The Office of the President must give a proper explanation.)

Malacañang on Tuesday defended First Lady Louise ''Liza'' Araneta-Marcos’ attendance at a book launching and a concert amid the onslaught of Typhoon Tino.

Deflecting questions or attacking critics should not replace accountability, according to Duterte.

“Hindi na pwede nga naman ang unang nito na aatake ka ng ibang tao para lang makalimutan kung ano ba yung totoo ng issue,” she added.

(You can’t just attack other people to distract from the real issue.)

On Tuesday, Duterte led relief operations in Negros Occidental for residents affected by the typhoon. She urged communities to strengthen preparedness for disasters.

She said the Office of the Vice President (OVP) deployed satellite teams across the islands of Panay and Negros to provide aid to stricken families.

The OVP’s assistance included rice boxes, water containers, and other basic goods through its “Relief for Individuals and Indigents in Crises and Emergencies” or RIICE program.

“Sa Canlaon City po, 500 rice boxes plus 100 water containers plus 205 kilos na rice,” she said. “Sa La Castellana naman, 200 rice boxes, 200 na 5 kilos rice and 100 water containers.”

(In Canlaon City, we distributed 500 rice boxes, 100 water containers, and 205 kilos of rice. In La Castellana, 200 rice boxes and 200 sacks of five kilos of rice each, plus 100 water containers.)

The Vice President said her team continues to visit affected areas to ensure the delivery of assistance, adding that Cebu would be her next stop.

Duterte also reminded residents to stay alert and organized during calamities.

“Inisa-isa ko sa mga tao kung ano ba yung una gagawin natin. Una, magdasal. Pangatlo, alamin natin nasaan ang ating mga evacuation center,” she said.

(I reminded people what to do first—pray, prepare their belongings, and know where the evacuation centers are.)

She stressed that calm and planning can save lives during disasters.

“Napaka-importante na alam ng mga tao isa-isa kung ano yung listahan na mga dapat nilang gawin para hindi sila magpanik,” she added.

(It’s very important for people to know, step by step, what they should do so they don’t panic.)

Duterte also called on the local officials who went on leave during Typhoon Tino to explain why they were not in their areas of responsibility at the height of the storm.

Asked about reports that several mayors and provincial officials in Cebu were absent during the disaster response, Duterte said it is the duty of local executives to lead their disaster councils during emergencies.

“Antayin natin kung ano ‘yung aksyon ng Department of the Interior and Local Government dahil ito ‘yung ahensya na kung saan nakapailalim ang ating mga local government officials,” she said.

(Let’s wait for the action of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, since it oversees our local officials.)

She added that accountability should be demanded from local leaders who failed to perform their duties.

“Dapat meron silang saktong sagot kung bakit wala sila doon sa kanilang area of responsibility noong panahon ng bagyo,” Duterte said.

(They must have a clear explanation for why they weren’t in their area of responsibility during the storm.)

The Vice President reminded that local chief executives are also the heads of their respective disaster councils and should be on the ground during calamities.

“Pag ikaw ay governor or mayor, ikaw ‘yung head ng disaster council,” she said. “Kasama doon sa trabaho mo ‘yung maghahanda ng disaster council at kung ano yung course ng disaster council.”

(When you are a governor or mayor, you are the head of the disaster council. That means part of your job   — BM/RF, GMA Integrated News