VP Sara Duterte slams 'fabricated' claims, tells gov't to focus on economy

Vice President Sara Duterte denied new controversies attempting to tie her to illicit activities, daring authorities to produce solid evidence rather than making sweeping claims.

Addressing the accusations in an official statement on Tuesday (October 21, 2026), Duterte tackled recent reports connecting her to a Chinese-backed commercial deal and a major drug seizure in Laos linked to an alleged "Mindanao-Davao Conspiracy."

"What evidence does the government have to substantiate these sweeping accusations?" Duterte asked, asserting that zero credible proof has been brought forward to support the allegations.

Duterte further cast doubt on the validity of an official Laos travel clearance bearing her name, suggesting the document was manufactured to fuel a targeted political plot. She noted that after efforts to pursue impeachment grounds stalled, the political narrative shifted toward framing her as a national security risk.

The Vice President called on administration figures to abandon political attacks and direct their efforts toward pressing economic challenges.

"Government should start working and stop politicking. The people are impoverished, hungry, and angry," she stated.

In separate statements, key administration officials countered the claims. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified that the Duterte family had no involvement in the Laos narcotics interception.

Concurrently, Malacañang denied granting any travel permit for the Vice President to visit Laos, noting that her office had never submitted a request for official travel authorization. The Palace issued the clarification after an unverified document surfaced online connecting the Vice President's family to the Laos trip.

-RA Sibag/Paraluman News