Sara Duterte's strategy is shaming, blaming everyone but China – solons

MANILA, Philippines — It seems that Vice President Sara Duterte’s political strategy for the 2025 midterm elections is to shame and blame everyone except China, according to lawmakers.

House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V on Monday said Duterte has been engaging in mudslinging, but is ironically silent when it comes to issues involving China like allegations of intrusion in the elections and its illegal activities on Sandy Cay.

“Where does her loyalty really lie? China or Philippines? From my perspective, it seems she knows nothing in the campaign but to engage in political mudslinging with ‘Hit PBBM (President Bongbong Marcos), administration allies but China’ as her stone-etched template,” Ortega said.

“She’s been going around hitting almost everybody, but never China. Apparently, mum is the word when it comes to Beijing. She’s dead silent when the issue about China occupying our very own yard is raised. Silent as the grave with zipped and sealed lips – very much unlike her,” he added.

According to Ortega, Duterte has not released any statement to call out China, which he feels is very bothersome.

“We all know that silence implies consent. We haven’t heard even a word from her. So, if I were to interpret it, it may very possibly mean ‘it’s a go for China’ as far as she is concerned. Generally, silence means yes,” he claimed.

“Again, where is patriotism here? Should we really listen or believe somebody whose interests go exactly the opposite of 75 percent of Filipinos, who, based on the latest Social Weather Stations survey, are likely to vote overwhelmingly and root for Team Pilipinas,” he added.

During the hearing of the Senate special committee on maritime and admiralty zones last April 24, it was revealed that the National Security Council (NSC) believes that China has attempted to interfere in the upcoming 2025 elections.

READ: China interfering with PH’s May 2025 polls, says NSC’s Malaya

It was also revealed during the hearing that China, through its embassy in Manila, allegedly paid for a “troll farm” under a contract with a private company to discredit the Philippine government and anti-China Filipino personalities.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said a “service agreement” between the Chinese Embassy and InfinitUs Marketing Solutions Inc. in August 2023 included the provision of “keyboard warriors that will play a vital role in the overall effectiveness of the issue management project.”

According to Tolentino, InfinitUs was allegedly contracted to spread pro-Beijing narratives and fake news campaigns targeting lawmakers who support the Philippines’ claims over the West Philippine Sea. The firm has denied these accusations.

READ: PR firm denies contract with China, being trolls

Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, meanwhile, urged Duterte to elevate the level of discourse during the election season, instead of resorting to mere name-calling and threats.

“The Filipino people deserve leaders who inspire by example, not those who intimidate with threats or vulgarity. The public square should be a platform for ideas, not a battleground for insults,” Adiong said.

“This is not the leadership our people deserve. Strong leadership does not require bad language. It requires vision, courage, and integrity,” he added.

Adiong was referring to the threats and personal attacks made by Duterte against Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano, 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, and 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr.

During a local sortie, Duterte, who is supporting the slate of former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, mocked Valeriano’s appearance, saying that the lawmaker has a big neck that makes his voice squeaky.

READ: Sara Duterte mocks appearance of Manila lawmaker

In another rally, Duterte handed over an apple to Manila congressional bet Apple Nieto, asking her to shove it down Chua’s throat until he dies.

READ: Sara Duterte vents anger at Rep. Chua during rally in Manila

Valeriano and Chua are key to the House’s investigation into allegedly anomalous confidential fund (CF) expenditures within Duterte’s offices.

Valeriano filed the resolution asking for a probe, while Chua heads the House committee on good government and public accountability, which investigated the issue.

The results of the panel’s investigation were integrated into the impeachment complaints filed against Duterte, and the articles of impeachment that were eventually submitted to the Senate.

Abante, meanwhile, is a member of the quad committee that probed the alleged human rights violations during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the vice president's father.

According to Adiong, Duterte’s antics drive discussions away from more important and tangible issues like jobs, education, peace and order, and defending the country’s sovereignty.

“Democracy thrives when we engage in respectful debate, not when we silence or shame one another. Let’s return to a time when policy ideas, not personal insults, defined our national conversations,” Adiong said.

"The words uttered by our leaders carry a certain weight and effect.  With every curse word and threat, the people’s trust is eroded.  What we should bring back in politics is dignity, not drama.  Leadership is not about silencing an opponent, it is moving for everyone’s benefit.  Instead of shaming others, listen.  Instead of spreading fear, explain," he added.

(2025/05/06-12:12)