VP Sara slams ‘deafening silence’ on P805-billion bribery allegations

National

VICE President Sara Duterte yesterday questioned the “deafening silence” of civil society groups, the church, and lawmakers regarding allegations raised by 18 men, claiming to be former Marines, that they delivered suitcases containing billions of pesos to certain politicians.

Duterte criticized the groups that are typically quick to issue statements and religious leaders willing to stand up on issues of morality, noting that the lack of response from those who claim to favor transparency and accountability is “deafening.”

The 18 individuals detailed the alleged cash deliveries during a press conference organized by lawyer Levi Baligod in San Juan last Tuesday, supporting previous testimony from Orly Guteza regarding suitcases filled with money.

While several quarters immediately belittled the expose due to inconsistencies—such as the inclusion of Leila de Lima on the list before she was a member of Congress—Duterte pointed out the double standard in how allegations are handled.

“While the allegations against me were immediately made the center of hearings, privilege speeches, and relentless fishing expeditions under investigations supposedly in aid of legislation, the silence now seems deafening,” Duterte said.

The Vice President’s remarks come as the House committee on justice declared two impeachment complaints against her sufficient in substance on Wednesday. Duterte noted that

“There seems to be no interest or immediate action from the current administration to investigate the truth regarding the billions in bribes related to flood control, the ICC, and the impeachment efforts against me,” Duterte noted.

The justice panel, led by Rep. Gerville Luistro, moved the complaints forward with 54 affirmative votes, citing filings from groups led by Father Joel Saballa and lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera.

Duterte emphasized that the fight against corruption must be consistent regardless of political ties, stating, “Anger over the issue of corruption should not be selective. You can’t just choose who to investigate. And one cannot remain silent when those involved are close to power. The nation’s money should not be placed in a suitcase, and the truth should not be placed in silence.”

Baligod has claimed the total amount delivered by the bagmen could reach P805 billion, funds allegedly intended for ICC investigators gathering evidence against former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2023.

In response to the claims, Duterte expressed her support for the whistleblowers, saying, “I am impressed by the courage of former congressman Zaldy Co’s former security personnel who dared to speak out about the alleged delivery of suitcases full of billions of pesos in government funds.”(Jhon Mark A. Aboabo, USJR Comm Intern)