Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, is feeling really sad and angry. She said the government of President Bongbong Marcos is too slow in helping Filipinos living in the Middle East, especially now that there’s a serious conflict between Iran and Israel.
😠 Why Is She Mad?
Sara is in The Netherlands right now to visit her dad, who is in jail because of a case filed against him at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The case is about the war on drugs during his presidency, where thousands of people were killed.
While she’s there, she heard the Marcos government is paying for the travel of some people who will testify against her dad in the Netherlands. She got upset and said:
“They say there’s no evidence against my father, but they’re spending money to fly people to court. How come they can do that quickly, but not help the Filipinos in Iran and Israel?”
🏃♀️ Helping Too Slow?
She said the government was too slow to help Filipinos stuck in the dangerous situation in the Middle East.
“People can see what’s really important to this administration,” she added, meaning the government cares more about politics than helping people.
Sara believes the government is putting politics first—like going after her dad—instead of making ordinary Filipinos their top priority.
🛫 Who Has Been Helped So Far?
Even though Sara is angry, the government has done some work. On July 6, 25 Filipino caregivers came home safely from Israel. In total, 72 Filipinos have returned recently, and since October 2023, the government has helped 1,405 Filipinos return home due to the growing danger in the region.
⚖️ What About Duterte’s Case?
Sara also believes the evidence being used against her father is fake or forced. She said:
“We have proof that some evidence was taken by threatening or scaring people. We will show that soon.”
She is saying that the ICC might be shown lies or fake stories, and they will fight back with their own proof.
🏛️ Why Is Duterte in Jail?
Former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11 in Manila because of a warrant from the International Criminal Court. He’s now being held at Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, Netherlands.
The charges?
Crimes against humanity—specifically for the many deaths that happened during the war on drugs under his leadership.
📝 What Happens Next?
The Vice President is expected to stay in the Netherlands until July 23. Meanwhile, GMA News tried to get a statement from Malacañang Palace (the President’s office), but they haven’t answered yet.
🔥 Summary for Kids:
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VP Sara Duterte is upset the Marcos gov’t is slow to help Filipinos in Iran-Israel conflict.
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She’s mad they’re quick to pay for people testifying against her dad.
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Her dad, ex-President Duterte, is in jail in the Netherlands for drug war killings.
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Sara says the evidence is fake and some people were forced to give it.
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The Marcos gov’t has already helped 1,405 OFWs come home since last year.
