Anti-poverty czar Larry Gadon has escalated his criticism of Vice President Sara Duterte, publicly demanding her immediate resignation following the emergence of serious allegations from Ramil Madriaga, who claims to be her former bagman. The escalating tension centers on allegations of impropriety and concerns over the Vice President’s fitness for office.
In a video statement released this Saturday, December 13, Gadon asserted that VP Sara Duterte has lost the moral ground necessary to continue leading the nation. He weighed in heavily on the affidavit presented by Madriaga. “Dinikdik ng tirada ni Anti-poverty czar Larry Gadon si Vice President Sara Duterte matapos lumutang ang alegasyon ng nagpakilalang bag man umano nito na si Ramil Madriaga.” Gadon insisted that the detailed information—including names, locations, and events—contained within the document points strongly to its authenticity and truthfulness. He stated, “At itong affidavit nitong si Madriaga ay punong-puno ng mga katotohanan. Magmula sa mga detalye, sa mga pangalan, at sa mga lugar, talagang makikita mo ‘yong mga detalye at ‘yong mga pangyayari ay talagang makatotohanan kaya dapat itong si Sara ay mag-resign.”
Focus on Capacity and Leadership
Beyond the allegations of financial impropriety, the Anti-poverty czar also launched a blistering attack on the Vice President’s intellectual capacity and statesmanship. Gadon did not mince words, suggesting she lacks the required intellectual depth and spontaneity for high office. “Dapat lang na mag-resign ka dahil wala ka namang alam, napakababaw ng utak mo. Isa kang boba, saksakan ka ng boba hindi ka marunong magsalita.”
He further criticized her reliance on prepared speeches, arguing that her inability to articulate and expound on her thoughts without a script highlights a fundamental lack of substance. “Lahat na lang gusto mo basahin. Walang laman yang ulo mo. You cannot even speak straight English, you cannot expound your thoughts. Pa’no na ‘yan, wala ka man lamang statesmanship on anything,” Gadon added, making a direct challenge to her competency as a national leader.
VP Sara Responds: A Call for Scrutiny
The demand for resignation comes just days after the Vice President was formally charged with plunder and other cases, along with 14 other officials, at the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) on December 12. These charges stem from the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds during her tenure both in her current office and as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).
Meanwhile, in a separate statement released on the same Saturday, VP Sara Duterte called upon the Filipino people to exercise critical judgment and not be swayed by what she described as rampant, unsubstantiated attacks against her. As the political heat intensifies, the nation watches closely as the legal and moral battle surrounding one of the country’s highest officials unfolds.