VP Sara Duterte urges PH officials to stop 'politicking,' focus on peace and development

Vice President Sara Duterte called on government officials to put politics aside and focus instead on promoting peace, order, and development, saying Filipinos have waited long enough for improvements in their lives.

Speaking during the Araw ng Bigaan and the 65th Patronal Fiesta in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur on July 8, Duterte urged public officials to prioritize the needs of communities over political interests.

“Unang-una, ipinapaabot ko sa ating mga opisyal ng pamahalaan na itigil na muna natin ang pamumulitika,” Duterte said in an interview.

“Pananawagan nila ng transparency at accountability, pero ang totoong pakay nila ay ang kanilang sariling political interest,” she added.

The Vice President also appealed to government leaders to devote their attention to maintaining peace and order while creating more opportunities for employment, livelihood, and public services.

“Pangalawa, sa ating mga opisyal pa rin ng pamahalaan na tutukan natin ang kaayusan, kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng ating bayan,” Duterte said.

“Matagal nang naghihintay ang ating mga kababayan na mas maging maayos ang kanilang buhay,” she added.

Duterte said public officials should bring “kalinaw ug kalambuan”—a Cebuano phrase meaning “kapayapaan at kaunlaran,” or “peace and development”—to the communities they serve.

She also encouraged parents and other adults to pursue stable employment and livelihood opportunities, saying these contribute to peace and stability in their communities. Duterte likewise urged young people to remain disciplined and finish their education, describing them as the country's future stewards.

Duterte is currently on trial before the Senate impeachment court over allegations that include the misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and corruption, and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Her camp has repeatedly denied the accusations, maintaining that the impeachment proceedings are politically motivated. Conviction requires the votes of at least two-thirds of the 24-member Senate, or 16 senator-judges, which could result in her removal from office and permanent disqualification from holding public office.