De Lima: Real opposition sides with the people
MANILA, Philippines — Liberal Party spokesperson Leila De Lima on Thursday questioned the claim that Vice President Sara Duterte is the new face of the opposition, describing her breakaway from the president’s Cabinet as a new political maneuver rather than a move based on principles.
A political science expert has also pointed out that Duterte’s resignation as Department of Education secretary allows her to distance herself from the actions of the Marcos administration ahead of a possible presidential campaign for the 2028 national elections.
On Wednesday, Duterte announced that she has stepped down as DepEd secretary, with her resignation officially taking effect in 30 days or on July 19 – the last working day before the president delivers his third State of the Nation Address on July 22.
The vice president announced her resignation from the education department without explaining why, both during her press conference and in the letter she submitted to Malacañang. DepEd and the Office of the Vice President told the media it would not entertain questions on the matter during the 30-day transition period.
On the same day, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte “has just become the leader of the opposition” and added that the UniTeam electoral partnership between her and Marcos during the 2022 elections had just been “formally dissolved.”
De Lima took exception to Roque’s remarks, saying that the “real opposition” is founded on the principles of “accountability, transparency and concern for the people,” which the former senator said is non-existent in Duterte’s track record.
“In her resignation, there was neither an acceptance of responsibility nor a change in principles and stance. How can someone who still owes accountability to the people be considered opposition?" De Lima said in Filipino.
"Above all: The opposition prioritizes the people. Not the expansion and maintenance of power. Not defending a wanted religious leader or the killing of thousands of Filipinos. Certainly not turning a blind eye to the oppression of our fishermen and the seizure of our territory by foreigners,” the former senator added.
Similarly, LP president Edcel
