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Advocates Philippines
Former President Duterte Speaks Out On Current Administration's Issues
Screengrab from SMNI Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa
In a recent interview, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte made comments on various pressing issues affecting the current administration, touching upon topics such as confidential funds, the ongoing WPS conflict, and his commitment to the welfare of the Filipino people.
President Duterte voiced his opinion on the matter of confidential funds, emphasizing the importance of transparency.
He stated, "It is legal to demand to open the book of accounts to the public. The way to know the truth is to make public the information, which is mandated by the constitution to be given to a citizen who wants to know. If we don't know where the money goes, why pay taxes? It is legal to demand, and it's not an unlawful demand. Just publish it, open the books, and we will know."
Regarding the issue of confidential funds linked to Vice President Sara Duterte in the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Office of the Vice President (OVP), he urged, "Let's not fool ourselves. We want to know the truth. You say there's nothing, I say there is. Open the books. A dog by any other tag is still a dog. The best way to find out what's really happening with this 'extraordinary expenses' is to open the Speaker's books. My daughter did not spend that 25 million; it was just a figure in the budget, which was approved. Why did you humiliate and embarrass my daughter? My daughter didn't even ask for a position; it was given to her by Marcos, whether she insisted or not. You made it look like the Intelligence fund was given for corruption. You congressmen should have advised your fellow Congressman, France (Rep. France Castor - ACT partylist) immediately. You said she is with the Liberal Party. Tell Secretary Duterte (VP Sara Duterte) not to be involved. You humiliated her, while you, congressmen, are wasting money. So, let's open it up and see, France! Let's see how much you've gotten from Congress."
On the subject of the ongoing conflict in the South China Sea, Duterte emphasized the need for diplomacy. He stated, "We cannot afford to go to war against China. We would be immensely, tremendously defeated. In fact, many Filipinos would lose their lives if things escalate. The best way is to talk. I hope Filipinos and the Filipino mindset consider the Philippines as a separate entity in dealing with China. In the South China Sea, there is no need for an Intelligence fund because you can clearly see who the fishermen are."
In conclusion, the former president reaffirmed his commitment to the Filipino people, saying, "I will assure you that I will always be here or there for my country and my people. I will always protect your welfare. If I sense oppression or wrongdoing, I will speak out. I will never compromise the soul of my country and my people. That is my commitment to you."
President Duterte voiced his opinion on the matter of confidential funds, emphasizing the importance of transparency.
He stated, "It is legal to demand to open the book of accounts to the public. The way to know the truth is to make public the information, which is mandated by the constitution to be given to a citizen who wants to know. If we don't know where the money goes, why pay taxes? It is legal to demand, and it's not an unlawful demand. Just publish it, open the books, and we will know."
Regarding the issue of confidential funds linked to Vice President Sara Duterte in the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Office of the Vice President (OVP), he urged, "Let's not fool ourselves. We want to know the truth. You say there's nothing, I say there is. Open the books. A dog by any other tag is still a dog. The best way to find out what's really happening with this 'extraordinary expenses' is to open the Speaker's books. My daughter did not spend that 25 million; it was just a figure in the budget, which was approved. Why did you humiliate and embarrass my daughter? My daughter didn't even ask for a position; it was given to her by Marcos, whether she insisted or not. You made it look like the Intelligence fund was given for corruption. You congressmen should have advised your fellow Congressman, France (Rep. France Castor - ACT partylist) immediately. You said she is with the Liberal Party. Tell Secretary Duterte (VP Sara Duterte) not to be involved. You humiliated her, while you, congressmen, are wasting money. So, let's open it up and see, France! Let's see how much you've gotten from Congress."
On the subject of the ongoing conflict in the South China Sea, Duterte emphasized the need for diplomacy. He stated, "We cannot afford to go to war against China. We would be immensely, tremendously defeated. In fact, many Filipinos would lose their lives if things escalate. The best way is to talk. I hope Filipinos and the Filipino mindset consider the Philippines as a separate entity in dealing with China. In the South China Sea, there is no need for an Intelligence fund because you can clearly see who the fishermen are."
In conclusion, the former president reaffirmed his commitment to the Filipino people, saying, "I will assure you that I will always be here or there for my country and my people. I will always protect your welfare. If I sense oppression or wrongdoing, I will speak out. I will never compromise the soul of my country and my people. That is my commitment to you."
Oct 25, 2023
