Fisherfolk Confront VP Sara Duterte Over 'China-Linked' Remittances

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Fisherfolk leaders from Zambales and Bataan on Sunday publicly challenged Vice President Sara Duterte to explain reported multimillion-peso transactions involving a company linked to her husband and entities in China and Hong Kong. The group questioned whether these financial connections have any bearing on Duterte's perceived silence regarding Chinese harassment of Filipino fishers in the West Philippine Sea.

The fisherfolk, representing coastal communities directly affected by escalating tensions in the disputed waters, demanded transparency about the transactions, which they claim involve a company associated with Duterte's husband, Manases Carpio. While specific details of the remittances remain unclear, the leaders stressed that the timing and nature of these dealings raise serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest. They noted that Duterte has yet to issue a strong condemnation of recent Chinese coast guard actions against Filipino fishermen, despite her office's previous statements on sovereignty.

The challenge adds pressure on the Vice President, who also serves as Secretary of Education, to address allegations of foreign financial entanglement. It underscores growing public scrutiny over the Philippines' stance on China, particularly as grassroots sectors like fisherfolk demand accountability from national leaders. The Vice President's office has not yet responded to the fisherfolk's demands, and it remains to be seen whether this will prompt an official explanation or further investigation.