“I Will Never Resign” – Vice President Duterte

“I Will Never Resign” – Vice President Duterte

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | July 28, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – In a forceful declaration that resonates through the highest echelons of Philippine politics, Vice President Sara Duterte has unequivocally stated she will not resign from her position. Asserting that such an act would constitute a profound “betrayal” of the 32.2 million Filipinos who elected her, Duterte has challenged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to initiate her removal if he wishes her out of office.

The Vice President’s defiant stance comes amidst intensifying scrutiny and an ongoing impeachment challenge stemming from allegations of misuse of confidential and intelligence funds, unexplained wealth, and betrayal of public trust. Duterte has consistently refuted these accusations, dismissing the impeachment proceedings as politically motivated.

Key Highlights of VP Duterte’s Unyielding Position:

Unwavering Loyalty to Voters

Duterte firmly believes that a resignation would be a direct affront to the mandate bestowed upon her by the electorate, emphasizing her commitment to the 32.2 million Filipinos who voted for her.

Direct Challenge to the President

 In a bold move, the Vice President has directly challenged President Marcos Jr., stating, “If BBM wants, he could remove me. He could try everything to remove me.” This statement underscores a significant rift at the highest levels of the current administration.

Dismissal of Rumors

Duterte has dismissed all speculation surrounding her potential resignation, reaffirming her intent to remain in her post despite the mounting pressures of an impeachment trial.

This declaration is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of increasing friction between the Vice President and the current administration.

VP Duterte’s Broader Criticisms and Unfulfilled Promises

Further exacerbating the political tension, Vice President Duterte has not shied away from public criticisms of the current government’s performance and integrity.

“Crocodiles” in Government

During a speech to the Filipino community in London, Duterte sharply criticized the Philippine government for alleged corruption, lamenting, “Because there are many ‘crocodiles’ in the Philippines… What happened to us Filipinos is that we went our separate ways. Those who gained positions, wealth, and power became selfish.”

“Waste of Time” SONA and Broken Vows

The Vice President famously dismissed President Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) as a “waste of time,” revealing she neither watched nor read it. She accused the administration of failing to deliver on key pledges.

Flood Control Scandal and Budget Irregularities

Duterte was particularly critical of the President’s handling of the flood control scandal, calling his remarks “public relations maneuvers” designed to deflect accountability. She argued that the President cannot distance himself from infrastructure spending issues, as he ultimately authorizes the national budget. Duterte emphatically stated that signing off on a budget with known irregularities constitutes an impeachable offense.

Unfulfilled Personal and Economic Pledges

The Vice President cited broken promises, including personal agreements made prior to their political partnership, and broader economic pledges like the promise of ₱20 per kilo of rice and accountability for alleged corruption before Christmas. She questioned the public’s reason to trust annual State of the Nation addresses when significant political, economic, and governance commitments remain unfulfilled.

President Marcos Jr.’s Counter-Narrative and Vision

In contrast to the Vice President’s critical stance, President Marcos Jr. has articulated a vision for the country marked by a focus on good governance and economic stability, as evidenced by highlights from his own addresses.

“President of the Philippines, Not My Family”

President Marcos Jr. underscored his commitment to national duty, stating, “I am not the president of my family. I am not the president of my friends. I am the president of the Philippines. And my duty is to you, my fellow Filipinos.” This declaration was notably made after mentioning his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and the impending filing of multiple cases against him, signaling a tough stance on accountability.

Economic Reforms and Consumer Relief

Marcos Jr. advocated for the removal of “systems loss” charges passed on to consumers in electricity bills and expressed openness to revisiting nuclear energy production. He also announced tax relief measures, including expanding income tax exemptions for those earning not more than ₱350,000 annually.

Swift Action Amidst Crisis

The President affirmed swift government action to mitigate the effects of crises, particularly concerning fuel price spikes.

Youth Protection and AI Integration

 Marcos Jr. highlighted the importance of community responsibility for youth protection, honoring victims of school violence. He also emphasized harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance sectors like education.

   Philippine Sovereignty and Dignity

Amidst renewed maritime tensions, the President asserted that Filipinos are a “noble, kind, gracious, and great race,” declaring, “We are respectful, and we are dignified. We are Filipinos, and we do not yield,” reiterating that the arbitral award concerning the West Philippine Sea is “final and binding.”

The defiant stand of Vice President Sara Duterte, juxtaposed with President Marcos Jr.’s vision, underscores a period of significant political tension and scrutiny within the Philippine government. As the impeachment process unfolds and public discourse intensifies, the nation watches closely how these dynamics will shape its future.

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