LET’S REFLECT on the crucial role of our leaders and some political realities today. Leadership is a sacred responsibility, not a privilege to exploit.
Yet, there are politicians who, after taking their solemn oath to serve the people, seem to fall into a moral and ethical “dementia.” Vice President Sara Duterte’s case offers a cautionary tale — from dementia, to denial to decline. This calls for a critical reflection on the essential challenges of accountability in public service.
DEMENTIA
Forgetting the Purpose of Leadership
Vice President Duterte began her tenure as a symbol of continuity and strength, inheriting the Duterte brand that promised to be “for the people.”
However, her actions reveal a departure from this calling. At the tip of the iceberg is the allocation and use of P612.5 million in confidential funds meant for public benefit. Under VP, it was marred by secrecy, alleged impropriety of use, and perceived evasion from accountability.
Instead of prioritizing critical issues in improving education, she focused heavily on consolidating power and maintaining influence.
This moral dementia has overshadowed the transparency and public welfare expected from her dual roles as Vice President and former Education Secretary.
DENIAL
The Evasion of Accountability
When questioned about the misuse of confidential funds, VP Duterte’s responses have been passive, evasive, dismissive – all being grossly irresponsible.
Allegations of gross fiscal mismanagement and failed projects have been met with outright denials. Her usual cover is to claim politically motivated attacks. Simply, her mantra as a public servant is to choose deflection over clarity.
This untouchable-thinking, power-wielding Vice President has repeatedly sidestepped the accountability that comes with her office. Such denials erode public trust and set a dangerous precedent for future leaders.
And she cares nothing of what her trail leaves. Her denials can go ballistic capable to make deep dark threats.
DOWNFALL
An Inevitable Consequence
History reminds us that the acts of thievery and corruption always leads to downfall. Both our history and the Holy Bible warn of the sure downfall of its greedy and abusive benefactors, though not immediately but with certainty.
The Bible, which truths are eternally indomitable and inviolable declares that, “Pride comes before dishonor, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18). Finally, this divine law cannot be denied: “God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7).
This law of divine compensation will surely catch its evaders and their minions, otherwise the Bible’s declaration will be a straight lie. Even the prideful, arrogant and self-declared “Presidente ng impyerno” will one day bow, bust or burn because of this truth, for God cannot be mocked. That she ends up as a godless creature, O, God forbid.
Without trajectory correction, the VP’s political legacy could end up in shameful disgrace rather than honor with dignity.
The writings on the wall are clear. Sara Duterte’s political future is on a decline. In Congress, three impeachment cases were filed against her, and counting. The recent SWS survey showed people’s support for her impeachment is high at 41%, and rising.
The other signs in the horizon are that the timing of the possible Senate trial of the impeachment will be after election 2025, and if Digong and Polong lose the elections in Davao, then the political stock of the Dutertes may diminish to drag the VP down. If PBBM’s Senate slate wins the majority, it may ripple to make the Duterte brand in shambles, and the VP case to also stumble. Politics
always has its limitations. It cannot always bring salvation.
Conclusion
Political privilege of leadership must subscribe to its divine origin. Government authority are not human inventions but firstly it is a divine establishment ordained by God to bring order, justice, and welfare to society (Read Romans 13).
Those entrusted with leadership must uplift, not oppress; empower, not exploit; and never to abusively enrich themselves. To abuse this sacred role is to betray both the people’s trust and God’s mandate.
To those in public service, let this serve as a reminder: Leadership is NOT an entitlement; it is more of a privileged responsibility with the highest accountability.
Those who forget their calling and deny their duty will ultimately face the consequences of an inevitable downfall — not just in the court of public opinion, but in the judgment of history and the judgment of God./PN
