President Marcos Faces “Profound Crisis of Confidence” — VP Sara Duterte

President Marcos Faces “Profound Crisis of Confidence” — VP Sara Duterte

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | November 17, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of facing a “profound crisis of confidence” stemming from widespread allegations of corruption, particularly concerning the handling of flood-control projects and the alleged manipulation of the national budget.

In a video statement released on Monday, November 17, Duterte voiced her frustration with the perceived lack of direction and resolve in the government’s approach to investigating corruption claims.

She pointed to her own resignation as Secretary of Education, citing her discovery of alleged budgetary manipulation by the House of Representatives targeting the Department of Education as a key factor fueling her concerns.

“The President now faces a profound crisis of confidence, especially regarding the management of these corruption investigations,” Duterte stated, directly challenging Marcos’s leadership.

“We seek clear answers on how a budget that deprived Filipinos of billions of pesos was approved under his watch.”

Duterte’s pointed criticism comes as the Marcos administration grapples with mounting public scrutiny over alleged irregularities in government spending.

Her remarks resonate with a growing sense of public disillusionment, further amplified by a three-day protest organized by the influential Iglesia ni Cristo religious group. The protest, which drew an estimated 650,000 participants on its opening day, underscores the depth of public anger over perceived government corruption.

“Our right to speak and express ourselves is the foundation of democracy,” Duterte emphasized. “The government should listen to the people, not dismiss or ignore their concerns. We Filipinos deserve better.”

By aligning herself with public outrage, Duterte’s statement positions her as a champion of accountability and transparency, further intensifying the pressure on President Marcos to address the escalating corruption allegations and restore public trust.