VICE-PRESIDENT (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday called President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s remark on alleged Chinese funding “concerning,” arguing that it shows the administration has viewed her as a security risk since 2023.
“It is concerning that such a statement would come from BBM [Bongbong Marcos] because it is as if he admitted that since 2023, they have considered me a threat,” Ms. Duterte said in a media briefing, based on a transcript provided by her office.
Speaking to reporters in Singapore over the weekend, Mr. Marcos said that allegations of Chinese entities funding a company linked to Ms. Duterte and her husband would rise to a national security issue and constitute a “threat at the highest level to the republic” if proven true.
“It is alarming because he is saying that the Vice-President is a threat to the country,” Ms. Duterte said in Filipino.
She added that the Chief Executive’s framing could also create broader economic uncertainty for local commercial enterprises engaged in commerce with Beijing.
“This is concerning because it is like he is saying that those who do business and have trade with China are also threats to the country,” she said.
Ms. Duterte said her legal counsel is currently reviewing the allegations raised by former Senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV.
She said she is prepared to respond formally, while maintaining that political opponents are fabricating narratives, ranging from confidential funds and corruption to illicit wealth and Chinese links, in an effort to undermine her position ahead of the 2028 national elections. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking