The annual yuletide “Pahalipay sa Taal” event hosted by the Duterte family is yet another glaring example of political patronage disguised as charity, according to the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas. “While Vice President Sara Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, take pride in this spectacle, it remains a testament to their blatant use of public office for personal gain and influence. The Dutertes cannot cover up with dole-outs the growing demand for accountability regarding VP Sara’s confidential funds and abuse of political power,” says Danilo Ramos, chairperson of KMP.
“The so-called “gift-giving” event is just one more attempt to solidify the Duterte family’s stranglehold on power. It should not be celebrated as a noble act of public service. Rather, it should be exposed as a calculated maneuver to perpetuate their dynastic rule and manipulate the poor for political leverage. The true nature of this Christmas showcase is far from altruistic. The act of distributing rice, canned goods, and cash, in exchange for public loyalty, is a blatant form of political patronage that insults the dignity of the Filipino people,” according to KMP’s Danilo Ramos, also a Makabayan senatorial candidate.
As Vice President, Sara Duterte should be held accountable for perpetuating this culture of corruption. The Duterte family has long been entrenched in exploiting political power for personal benefit, creating a political machinery that thrives on patronage rather than substantive change for the people. This is a clear violation of the public trust and an affront to the aspirations of the marginalized sectors.
We demand the immediate impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. Her actions only serve to reinforce a dynastic grip on power, worsening the plight of the people while continuing to enrich her family at the expense of the nation’s welfare. This should not go unchallenged, and we call on all Filipinos to resist this blatant mockery of true public service and political integrity.
KMP said Congress must act on the three impeachment complaints filed against VP Sara and exact accountability on the misuse of Php612.5 million in confidential funds. “As one of the most powerful political figures in the country, VP Sara must be held accountable for her role in perpetuating a corrupt system that continues to harm the Filipino people and and
“The Duterte family’s grip on power must end. It is time for genuine reforms, leadership that serves the people, and an accountable government free from dynastic rule. The impeachment of Sara Duterte is a crucial step in this fight against bureaucrat capitalism perpetuated by the ruling elite.”
KMP calls on all Filipinos to join the growing demand for political accountability and the removal of corrupt officials who are more concerned with enriching their families than serving the public. #
