Sara Duterte Challenges the 30,000 War on Drugs Victims Claim: A Call for Proof or a Political Maneuver?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a bold and striking statement, Vice President Sara Duterte has thrown down the gauntlet, demanding proof of the widely cited claim that 30,000 individuals fell victim to her father’s controversial war on drugs.

“Where is the system there of killing thousands?” she asked, her words reverberating across the political landscape.

This challenge comes at a crucial time, as the Duterte name continues to be scrutinized on the international stage for the deadly anti-drug campaign launched by former President Rodrigo Duterte. Human rights groups, independent watchdogs, and victims’ families have long asserted that the war on drugs left behind a bloodstained legacy of thousands of extrajudicial killings. Yet, Sara Duterte’s firm demand for verification raises the question: is this a genuine pursuit of truth, or a carefully calculated political move?

The Demand for Proof: A Strategic Deflection?

The Vice President’s insistence on proof signals a significant shift. When in power, the Duterte administration was often dismissive of human rights reports, waving them off as mere political propaganda. Yet now, Sara Duterte demands a structured, systematic presentation of evidence—seemingly an attempt to discredit critics who have long accused the Duterte government of orchestrating mass killings under the guise of law enforcement.

The numbers cited by rights organizations stem from a combination of government data, police records, and independent investigations. Even the Philippine National Police (PNP) officially acknowledges a lower, yet still deeply concerning, count of thousands of deaths. But the challenge posed by the Vice President suggests a larger game at play: shifting the burden of proof onto accusers while sidestepping moral and political responsibility.

Sara Duterte’s Political Balancing Act

Despite currently being in The Hague, Netherlands, Sara Duterte reassures the public that she remains committed to her duties as Vice President and as a mother. However, her continued absence from the country raises eyebrows. What role does she play in the unfolding drama at the International Criminal Court (ICC)? Is this a quiet retreat from political turbulence, or a strategic positioning for future ambitions?

Her calculated rhetoric suggests a leader adept at navigating the political battlefield. While defending the Duterte administration’s legacy, she simultaneously distances herself just enough to maintain plausible deniability should the tides turn against her father. This delicate balancing act hints at a long-term political strategy—one that keeps her at the center of power without being directly implicated in the controversies of the past administration.

Seeking the Truth or Silencing the Debate?

The Vice President’s demand for proof is not an isolated statement; it is a part of a broader effort to rewrite the narrative surrounding the war on drugs. By questioning the credibility of documented figures, she sows doubt among the public, potentially diluting the impact of international and local condemnation.

But the truth is out there—etched in the stories of orphaned children, grieving families, and human rights reports. The evidence does not lie in convenient government records alone but in the lived experiences of those who suffered under the iron fist of the war on drugs.

So, is this challenge a pursuit of factual accuracy, or a maneuver to absolve her father’s administration of responsibility? Until justice is served, the question remains: who will answer for the thousands who can no longer speak for themselves?

Fake Names, Real Scandal: The Explosive ₱612M Fund Controversy Rocking VP Sara Duterte!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

​The Philippines now finds itself at the epicenter of a maelstrom that threatens to upend its very foundations. At the heart of this tempest stands Vice President Sara Duterte, whose tenure has become emblematic of controversy, intrigue, and a deepening chasm within the country's political landscape.​

The Genesis of Controversy

The seeds of discord were sown when Vice President Duterte faced allegations of misusing confidential funds amounting to a staggering ₱612.5 million. The gravity of these accusations was amplified by the revelation that a significant portion of these funds was disbursed to individuals whose very existence is now under scrutiny. Names such as "Beverley Claire Pampano," "Mico Harina," "Sala Casim," "Ralph Joseph Bacon," and "Patty Ting" emerged as purported recipients, casting a long shadow over the legitimacy of these transactions.​

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) conducted a meticulous verification process, uncovering that 405 out of 677 listed recipients lacked any official records, suggesting they were fictitious entities. This unsettling discovery has led to intensified calls for transparency and accountability from various sectors of society.​

A Nation's Outcry

The public's indignation reached a crescendo when Vice President Duterte declined to elucidate the rationale behind these dubious disbursements. Citing concerns over compromising intelligence operations, she remained reticent, further fueling the flames of suspicion and distrust. This silence was particularly deafening given the whimsical nature of some recipient names, including "Mary Grace Piattos" and "Chippy McDonald," which bore an uncanny resemblance to popular snack brands. Such revelations have led to widespread ridicule and skepticism, with many questioning the integrity of the Vice President's office.​

Political Repercussions

The maelstrom of controversy culminated in the filing of multiple impeachment complaints against Duterte. Left-wing activists and progressive groups spearheaded these initiatives, accusing her of gross abuse of discretionary powers, obstruction of congressional investigations, and a blatant betrayal of public trust. The House of Representatives, dominated by allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., swiftly acted on these complaints, propelling the impeachment process forward.

The Senate, poised to act as the impeachment court, announced that the trial would commence following the Congress's reopening in June. Senate President emphasized the imperative of ensuring an impartial and credible trial, acknowledging the profound political ramifications that such proceedings entail.​

The Dynastic Feud

This political imbroglio cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of the intensifying feud between the Duterte and Marcos families. The once formidable alliance has disintegrated into a public spectacle of accusations and power plays. The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity further exacerbated tensions, with Sara Duterte's alleged involvement in plotting against President Marcos Jr. adding layers of complexity to the unfolding drama.​

A Nation at a Crossroads

As the Philippines stands on the precipice of its midterm elections, the political landscape is fraught with uncertainty. The electorate is confronted with a tableau of scandal and disillusionment, challenging the very tenets of governance and public service. The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is not merely a legal proceeding; it is a litmus test for the nation's commitment to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.​

In this crucible of political turmoil, the Filipino people are called upon to navigate the complexities of dynastic politics, to discern truth from obfuscation, and to reaffirm their collective aspiration for a government that truly embodies the principles of integrity and service. The unfolding saga serves as a poignant reminder that in the theater of politics, the true power ultimately resides in the hands of the people.​

Deadly Beauty: The Hidden Toxins Lurking in Your Makeup

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the pursuit of beauty, millions of consumers unknowingly expose themselves to a cocktail of hazardous chemicals hidden within the vibrant hues of their favorite eyeshadows, lipsticks, and personal care products. The alarming discovery by toxics watchdog BAN Toxics reveals a chilling truth: many of these seemingly innocent cosmetics contain dangerous substances that pose severe health risks.

A Wake-Up Call for Beauty Enthusiasts

As part of a month-long campaign to protect women from exposure to harmful substances, BAN Toxics conducted an investigation into the safety of budget beauty products. The results were nothing short of shocking.

The organization purchased seven eyeshadow products from the "Presyong Divisoria" store in Taguig City and beauty shops in Caloocan City, each priced between P60 and P150. Using a Vanta C Series XRF chemical analyzer, they uncovered alarming levels of toxic metals, including antimony, arsenic, chromium, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Two of the samples even listed propylparaben and methylparaben—preservatives that have been linked to endocrine disruption.

The results were staggering: some eyeshadows contained chromium levels up to 2,460 parts per million (ppm), lead up to 950 ppm, mercury up to 360 ppm, and cadmium up to 320 ppm—blatantly exceeding the ASEAN Guidelines on Limits of Contaminants for Cosmetics.

The Silent Killers in Your Makeup Bag

Heavy metals in beauty products are more than just unwanted contaminants—they are silent killers. According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) of the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), lead exposure has been linked to learning disabilities, language impairment, and behavioral problems. Mercury, another common offender, wreaks havoc on the nervous system and is notorious for causing immune and reproductive toxicity.

“Lead is a potential impurity in many color cosmetics, including lipstick,” the CSC warns. “Lead is a well-known and proven neurotoxin that has been linked to learning, language, and behavioral problems, while mercury is linked to nervous system toxicity, as well as reproductive, immune, and respiratory toxicity.”

The revelation that these poisons lurk in everyday beauty products raises serious concerns—not just for consumers, but also for the environment. When washed off, these chemicals enter waterways, contaminating marine life and the broader ecosystem.

A Growing Crisis: Unregulated Beauty Products

This is not the first time BAN Toxics has sounded the alarm. The organization has long condemned the rampant sale of unregulated beauty products—including lipsticks, whitening creams, and skincare items—that fail to meet health and safety standards. Many of these products have incomplete or missing labels, concealing their true toxicity from unsuspecting consumers.

Despite repeated warnings, these harmful cosmetics continue to flood public markets, putting millions at risk. The lack of regulatory enforcement and consumer awareness fuels this crisis, making it even more urgent for authorities to take decisive action.

A Call to Action: Protecting Consumers from Toxic Beauty

BAN Toxics is urging beauty shop owners to stop selling unregistered and prohibited cosmetic products. More importantly, they call for stricter enforcement actions against the illegal trade of banned beauty items.

“Consumers have the right to safe cosmetics, as well as transparency and traceability of chemicals in cosmetic products,” the group asserted. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued numerous health warnings against cosmetic products that fail to meet regulatory standards, yet the sale of these hazardous items continues.

To combat this crisis, the FDA advises consumers to verify whether a cosmetic product is notified by searching for its name on the FDA website (www.fda.gov.ph) before making a purchase. This simple step could mean the difference between safety and severe health consequences.

The Future of Safe Cosmetics: A Legislative Push

To protect consumers from toxic harm, BAN Toxics is advocating for stronger regulatory measures, including the enactment of a Safe Cosmetics Law in the Philippines. Such a law would ensure greater transparency, stricter oversight of hazardous chemicals in manufacturing, and stronger penalties for violators.

With beauty products playing an integral role in daily self-care routines, it is imperative that consumers demand safer alternatives. The time for action is now—before another person unknowingly applies poison to their skin.

The beauty industry must be held accountable, and consumers must remain vigilant. After all, true beauty should never come at the cost of one's health.