Vice President Sara Duterte said Tuesday’s gathering at the EDSA People Power Monument reflects what she described as growing public frustration with the Marcos administration, accusing the government of poor governance and suppressing dissent.
In a statement, Duterte said the administration has failed to address the country’s pressing problems, including rising prices, job insecurity and the increasing cost of living.
She also alleged that the justice system is being used to file cases against and detain individuals who have spoken out against alleged corruption and abuses in the administration or criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., including over allegations of illegal drug use.
“Instead of confronting these challenges with solutions, the administration has chosen to silence dissent under the guise of accountability,” Duterte said, adding that such actions raise concerns over free expression, democratic accountability and political dissent.
She also accused the President of fostering what she described as an increasingly oppressive political environment, saying a government that responds to criticism with intimidation weakens democratic institutions.
Duterte said the issue goes beyond politics and concerns the integrity of the state and the future of Filipinos facing economic hardship.
