Overview: Duterte clarifies stance on Marcos and resignation calls
In a candid briefing in Zamboanga City, Vice President Sara Duterte clarified her position regarding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. She stressed that she has not been urging the president to resign and described such calls as “pointless.” Instead, she highlighted the need for accountability, a thorough examination of governance, and concrete actions that restore public trust.
What Duterte actually called for
Duterte said, “I never said ‘Marcos resign’; what I said was for him to take a drug test.” She framed this as an open challenge that remains unresolved, arguing that failure to address questions about the president’s capacity to lead undermines public confidence. The vice president asserted that leadership requires dedication to the nation and that any perceived betrayal of public trust should be confronted openly.
Accountability over resignation
Beyond the drug-test remark, Duterte criticized the signing of the 2025 national budget, labeling it a “doubtful” act that could constitute a constitutional violation. She emphasized that accountability is a more productive path than partisan calls for resignation. In her view, questions about the president’s leadership must be answered through transparency, governance, and adherence to constitutional processes rather than by forcing early political turnover.
The politics of dissent: Barzaga and independent voices
The vice president addressed the ongoing calls from Cavite Rep. Francisco Barzaga, noting that Barzaga has demonstrated independent thinking and principles. Duterte rejected the idea that Barzaga was acting on her orders, describing him as someone who could not be easily controlled. This underscores a broader dynamic in Philippine politics where dissenting voices push for accountability while operating independently of the executive branch.
Public trust, leadership, and the national interest
Duterte framed the discussion around the nation’s welfare rather than personal political fortunes. She argued that a president or vice president must consecrate themselves to the service of the country and that public trust hinges on how leaders respond to questions about competence and accountability. Her statements reflect a strategy to press for accountability without prematurely destabilizing the government or unduly weakening its ability to govern.
What this means for governance going forward
Observers note that Duterte’s remarks place a premium on institutional checks and due process. By centering the debate on accountability—such as transparency in the budget, health and safety checks, and the integrity of leadership—stakeholders may pursue reforms and clarifications without triggering early political crises. The emphasis on a factual, constitutional approach could shape how lawmakers, civil society, and the public evaluate presidential performance in the near term.
Conclusion: A call for accountability, not political stunts
As the country navigates complex policy challenges, Duterte’s insistence on accountability over unilateral calls for resignation reflects a mature, results-oriented stance. By advocating for clear answers to questions about leadership capacity, constitutional compliance, and fiscal decisions, she signals a preference for accountable governance that serves the public interest. The coming months may test whether this emphasis on transparency translates into tangible policy improvements and restored public trust.
