Duterte questions Marcos' leadership during rally in The Hague

Vice President Sara Duterte has raised concerns about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s ability to lead the country clearly. Her comments came during a gathering of supporters in The Hague, where attendees were chanting for Marcos to resign. Duterte stated that being a president requires a sound mind. She emphasized that the president's policies and decisions impact the future of the youth and the nation. She criticized Marcos for downplaying the importance of a drug test, calling it a betrayal of public trust. Duterte questioned why there are calls for Marcos to resign, highlighting that he is not demonstrating clear thinking or leadership capabilities. She also remarked on the benefits of such a resignation, suggesting that some might gain politically from it. The Palace responded to Duterte's comments, defending Marcos's leadership. A Palace official pointed out that transparency and legal adherence are in place in the administration. They also argued that accusations of a lack of capability to lead do not hold up when lawfulness is being maintained. Duterte and Marcos were allies in the 2022 elections but their political relationship has changed since she stepped down as education secretary last year. Currently, she is in The Hague for her father's trial related to his administration’s drug war. She has stated she will stay abroad until she establishes legal support for her father.