Former ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro dismissed Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that she does not feel safe in the Philippines as pure drama, saying the second highest official of the land is in no position to paint herself as a victim.
“Puro drama naman itong si bratinella. Mukhang delulu na talaga si VP Duterte. Gusto lang niyang baliktarin ang naratibo at gawing siya ang biktima,” Castro said.
Castro issued the statement after Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed on Saturday that the PNP has not received any information on threats against Duterte and her family. The PNP chief noted that despite the Vice President’s claim that she has documented every threat and harassment against her since three years ago, “to date, however, the vice president has not reported to the PNP any threat to her life or to the safety of her family, including the threats she said date back to 2023.” Nartatez added that the PNP has not monitored any legitimate intimidation posing danger to Duterte or her family.
The former lawmaker also pointed out the bitter irony of Duterte’s victim narrative.
“Nakakatawang malinaw ang irony: ito ang pamilyang dating nagbabanta sa mga kalaban sa pulitika, sa mga naglalantad ng kanilang kolokohan, at nagpapairal ng tokhang at EJK — ngayon, siya na raw ang pinagbabantaan,” Castro said.
“Noong talamak ang EJKs noong panahon ng tatay niya sa pwesto at silang pamilya ang nagbabanta sa naglalantad ng kanilang kolokohan at namamayagpag ang mga Chinese POGOs sa bansa, yun ba ang nagbibigay sa kanya ng safety?” Castro asked.
Castro further slammed Duterte for claiming fear while enjoying privileges ordinary Filipinos — and activists in particular — have never had.
“Ikalawa siya sa pinakamataas na katungkulan ng bansa, galing sa isang political dynasty, at hanggang ngayon ay may kapangyarihan. Hindi niya mararanasan ang pinagdadaanan ng mga ordinaryong Pilipino at ng mga aktibista kapag inaresto sila sa gawa-gawang kaso,” Castro said.
“Nakapag-wrap up pa siya ng press conference bago magpiyansa. Samantalang ang mga aktibista, magpipiyansa na nga sa gawa-gawang mga kaso, aarestuhin pa rin. Saan dito makikita ang totoong biktima?” Castro added.
Castro said the Filipino people know who the real victims are.
“The Filipino people know who the real victims are: the families of the victims of extrajudicial killings, the taxpayers whose funds were squandered, and the fisherfolk driven away from their own waters. Kung may takot mang nararamdaman si VP Duterte, ito ay takot sa pananagutan — at hindi ito madadaan sa pavictim effect,” Castro ended.#
