MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has accused the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of "protecting power" than serving the people by removing "any form of opposition" against the government.
Her statement comes after the Senate's majority bloc made a boycott of Tuesday's session, as well as after the arrest of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada for charges of plunder.
In a statement, Duterte said that the situation in the country should be a "cause for concern for every Filipino who believes in democracy, regardless of their beliefs or political colors,"
"We see how government institutions and the people's money are being used against any form of opposition. Instead of focusing on the real problems faced by our fellow citizens, power is being used to silence the voices of dissent," Duterte said.
She reiterated that the independence of institutions must be protected, not only of the Senate and the House of Representatives as institutions, but every Senator and member of the House "must be free to perform his or her constitutional duty according to conscience, free from threats, pressure, or any form of intimidation,"
"Good governance does not require the elimination of opposition. Democracy works best when there is a healthy opposition that is free to question," Duterte said.
She said that a government that fears dissent is not demonstrating strength, rather it is "revealing insecurity. And that insecurity is reflected in the direction our country is taking today,".
Duterte highlighted what she described as three disturbing realities: The effort to divert attention from legitimate questions surrounding the flood control controversy; The willingness to disregard constitutional safeguards in pursuit of a politically motivated impeachment; and the relentless pursuit of greater political power under the guise of Charter Change.
"These are the symptoms of a government that has become more preoccupied with protecting power than serving the people," Duterte said..
She stressed that the Filipino government deserves " a government focused on solving problems, not silencing critics; on strengthening institutions, not bending them to political ends; and on serving the nation, not perpetuating power,"
"Democracy is not weakened by dissent. Democracy is weakened when those in power become afraid of it," Duterte said.
