Vice President Sara Duterte Supports President Marcos Jr.’s Lifestyle Check Order Amid Flood Control Project Anomaly Reports

In a recent development that has captured the attention of the Philippine political landscape, Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her full support for the lifestyle check ordered by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. This directive comes in the wake of alarming reports of anomalies and irregularities linked to government flood control projects, which have raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability within public service.

Background: The Flood Control Project Controversy
The controversy surrounding the flood control projects has been a hot topic in the Philippines, especially given the country’s vulnerability to typhoons and flooding. These projects are critical to protecting millions of Filipinos from the devastating effects of natural disasters. However, recent reports have alleged that some government officials may have been involved in questionable practices, including misappropriation of funds and irregularities in project implementation.

Such allegations have understandably sparked public outrage and calls for thorough investigations. In response, President Marcos Jr. took decisive action by ordering a comprehensive lifestyle check on public officials connected to these projects. The goal is to uncover any discrepancies between officials’ declared assets and their actual wealth, thereby exposing potential corruption.

Vice President Sara Duterte’s Endorsement
Vice President Sara Duterte, currently in The Hague, Netherlands, where she is visiting her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, along with her siblings, voiced her unequivocal support for the President’s order during an interview on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

“It’s only right! And it’s not just the elected public officials, but also the appointed ones,” Vice President Duterte emphasized. Her statement underscores the importance of holding all public servants accountable, regardless of how they assumed office.

She further elaborated on the need for a thorough and deep investigation, not merely a superficial review of the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). “It’s not just about what’s on the surface, what’s written in the SALN. There should be a deep dive to identify who the dummies are. We need to expose the dummy officials,” she said.

The Importance of Lifestyle Checks in Governance
Lifestyle checks are a critical tool in the fight against corruption. They involve scrutinizing the lifestyle and assets of public officials to determine if their wealth is commensurate with their lawful income. This process helps identify “dummy” officials—those who may be fronting for others or hiding illicit wealth.

Vice President Duterte’s call for a deep dive into these checks highlights the necessity of going beyond paper declarations. Corrupt officials often use proxies or dummy names to conceal their ill-gotten gains. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation is essential to uncover the truth and ensure that public funds are used appropriately.

Accountability Beyond Elected Officials
One of the key points Vice President Duterte raised is the inclusion of appointed officials in the lifestyle checks. Often, public scrutiny focuses primarily on elected officials, but appointed officials also wield significant power and influence. They manage substantial budgets and make critical decisions that affect public welfare.

By advocating for lifestyle checks on both elected and appointed officials, Vice President Duterte is promoting a culture of accountability that transcends political positions. This approach sends a strong message that no one is above the law and that all public servants must be transparent and responsible.

The Duterte-Marcos Political Dynamic
Vice President Sara Duterte’s support for President Marcos Jr.’s initiative also reflects the current political alliance between the Duterte and Marcos families. This partnership has been instrumental in shaping the administration’s policies and governance style.

Their combined influence is significant in Philippine politics, and their unified stance on anti-corruption measures strengthens the government’s resolve to address public concerns. It also reassures citizens that the leadership is serious about cleaning up government operations and restoring public trust.

Public Reaction and Expectations
The public’s reaction to the lifestyle check order and Vice President Duterte’s endorsement has been largely positive. Many Filipinos see this as a necessary step toward transparency and good governance. The flood control project anomalies have heightened awareness about the need for vigilance against corruption, especially in programs that directly impact public