Philippines: Malacañang and VP Duterte clash over leadership and drug policy

The Philippine presidential palace has criticized Vice President Sara Duterte following her comments regarding drug seizures in neighboring Southeast Asian nations. Duterte expressed shame that the Philippines has become a destination for drugs intercepted in other regional countries. In response, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro questioned why the Vice President reacted so quickly to regional seizures while appearing to overlook local drug interceptions conducted by the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Separately, Vice President Duterte has intensified her criticism of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., describing his leadership as “hopeless.” During an ongoing impeachment trial involving allegations of corruption related to confidential funds, Duterte claimed that Marcos Jr. has failed to improve the lives of Filipinos, strengthen the national economy, or fortify government institutions. She further alleged that the country is in danger under his administration, stating there is nothing to expect from his leadership but “additional suffering and hardship.”