Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has labeled President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration as “the most inefficient administration that I have ever seen in my goddamn life,” ahead of the President’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA). Speaking on the “Basta Dabawenyo” podcast aired Sunday evening, Duterte criticized the administration’s lack of accountability, highlighting unresolved petitions related to the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) fund transfers. These petitions, filed by various groups and individuals, challenge alleged unconstitutional provisions and the transfer of ₱89.9 billion in excess PhilHealth funds to the national treasury. Duterte noted that oral arguments on these cases have been repeatedly postponed, suggesting the government “cannot provide a clear answer.” He urged the administration to address these issues in court to regain public trust. Duterte also accused the government of politicizing aid programs, or “ayuda,” claiming they have been used to further political ambitions rather than provide long-term solutions. He linked rising government debt, now at ₱16.3 trillion, and the Philippines’ status as the world’s largest gold seller in the first half of 2024 to “potential corruption,” citing the sale of 24.95 tons of gold by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Duterte expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises from Marcos’ previous SONAs and criticized the administration’s focus on media and photo opportunities, alleging interference in Davao City’s local affairs, particularly withholding funding for the city’s bus and waste-to-energy projects. He also accused the government of “double standards” in handling confidential funds, highlighting Vice President Sara Duterte’s ₱125 million compared to the President’s ₱4 billion. Malacañang has yet to respond to Duterte’s latest remarks but previously dismissed his criticism of Marcos’ openness to reconciliation with the Dutertes, stating no kind words should be expected from him. (Ian Carl Espinosa / MindaNews)
