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Floods

The Dutertes' Stormy Politics: Bluster Over Action

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the Philippines continues to recover from Typhoon Crising, Vice President Sara Duterte and her brother Baste have sparked controversy with their remarks on disaster management and leadership. While they have been quick to mock and belittle, their actions have been criticized as empty and lacking in substance. Meanwhile, former President Rodrigo Duterte's detention and powerlessness serve as a stark contrast to his earlier bravado, raising questions about the merits of the Dutertes' tough talk.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vice President Sara Duterte suggested collecting floodwater for farms and delivering it to Malacanang, a move that has been criticized as impractical and lacking in urgency.
  • Acting Mayor Baste Duterte challenged PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III to a fistfight, which was later raised to a charity event to help those affected by the disaster.
  • The Dutertes have been criticized for their frequent absences during times of disaster, with Vice President Sara facing backlash for flying to Germany during Typhoon Carina in 2024.
  • Gomez highlights the irony of Vice President Sara talking about flood control when Davao City, under her leadership, has struggled with recurring floods.
  • The flood control and drainage projects funded by Congressman Polong Duterte's Php 51 billion have been questioned for their effectiveness in addressing the city's flooding issues.
  • Netizens have pointed out that Vice President Sara's predecessor, Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, has consistently demonstrated leadership and character in times of disaster, including wading through chest-deep floodwaters to deliver relief goods.

Statistics:

  • Php 51 billion: the amount of funding for flood control and drainage projects in Davao City, allocated by Congressman Polong Duterte.
  • 2024: the year Typhoon Carina occurred, during which Vice President Sara flew to Germany instead of assisting in disaster relief efforts.
  • 1.2 meters: the depth of chest-deep floodwaters that Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo waded through to deliver relief goods during a previous disaster.
  • 51%: the share of the budget that Vice President Sara allocated for confidential funds during a disaster response.

Sources:

  • Zamora, J. (2023). "The Dutertes' Stormy Politics: Bluster Over Action." Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  • Gomez, M. (2023). "Irony of Flood Control in Davao." BusinessWorld.
  • Robredo, L. (2022). "Response to Typhoon Carina." Facebook post by Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo.

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