VP Sara Duterte Shrugs Off Blame, Suggests Floodwater Be Sent to Malacañang

Manila – July 22, 2025

Vice President Sara Duterte expressed indifference over criticisms linking her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, to the recent flooding in Metro Manila, saying she is “unsurprised” by the political scapegoating.

In a statement that quickly drew public attention, Duterte sarcastically suggested that the floodwater be collected and delivered to Malacañang, implying that critics should “drink it” to fully absorb the consequences of their accusations.

“Ipunin natin lahat, i-deliver natin sa Malacañang para meron silang mainom doon,” she said during a media interview, responding to questions about accountability for the capital’s flood crisis.

The remark came amid mounting frustration over the lack of a comprehensive flood control master plan. Duterte defended her father's administration, citing the Master Plan and Feasibility Study for Flood Control initiated in 2016 and published in 2023.

However, lawmakers and observers were quick to point out that the elder Duterte had six years in office to address the issue, yet Metro Manila continues to suffer from severe flooding. Critics also questioned the timing of VP Duterte’s comments, noting her absence during Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon’s onslaught, while she was reportedly on vacation in Germany.

The controversy adds to growing tensions between Duterte and the current administration, following her resignation from Cabinet posts and increasingly vocal criticisms of President Marcos Jr.’s disaster response.

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