Speaking from Melbourne, Australia, Vice President Sara Duterte issued a scathing critique of the Marcos administration’s foreign policy, warning that the Philippines is “not ready for war” and lacks a coherent strategic direction. Her remarks came amid rising tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns over the Philippines’ alignment with U.S. military interests.
Duterte’s comments were delivered during a forum with overseas Filipinos, where she emphasized the need for an “independent foreign policy” that prioritizes national interest over foreign entanglements. She also criticized the administration’s handling of the West Philippine Sea dispute, calling it “reactive and inconsistent.”
From a right-leaning perspective, Duterte’s stance reflects a growing nationalist sentiment that questions the wisdom of blindly following Washington’s lead. Her supporters argue that the Philippines must assert its sovereignty and avoid becoming a pawn in great-power rivalries. They also point to the Marcos administration’s lack of transparency and strategic foresight as reasons for concern.
The speech has reignited speculation about Duterte’s 2028 presidential ambitions and positioned her as a vocal critic of the current administration’s foreign policy drift. For many conservatives, her message is a call to restore clarity, strength, and independence in Philippine diplomacy.
