The political arena in the Philippines has erupted into a fiery exchange of accusations and savage “clapbacks” that has left the public stunned. Vice President Sara Duterte, in her recent 2025 Year-End Report, boldly declared a new crusade against “greed” and “corruption” among high-ranking government officials. However, instead of rallying support, her statement triggered a blistering counter-attack from Malacañang, exposing deep cracks in the administration and reviving haunting allegations of misuse of public funds within her own office.

The VP’s Bold Declaration

In a video address meant to highlight the accomplishments of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), Sara Duterte did not mince words. She painted a picture of an OVP that persists in serving the people despite what she called “budgetary challenges.” But the highlight of her speech—and the spark that lit the fuse—was her vow to “continue fighting against the greed of a few high-ranking officials in our government.” She positioned herself as a guardian of integrity, claiming that her office values “proper planning, effective project implementation, and the fight against corruption.”

The Palace Strikes Back

The response from Malacañang was swift, direct, and dripping with irony. When asked for a comment regarding the Vice President’s crusade against “greedy officials,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro delivered a response that instantly went viral. Unable to hide her amusement, Usec. Castro laughed and issued a scathing challenge: “Okay. Maybe let’s start first at the OVP. That’s all.”

This simple sentence effectively turned the spotlight back onto Sara Duterte, tearing down the moral high ground she attempted to claim. It was a public dressing-down that suggested the Vice President should look in the mirror before pointing fingers at others. Castro’s reaction reflected the growing sentiment among critics who find it “rich” for the VP to talk about greed given the controversies surrounding her own office’s spending habits.

The ₱26 Million Mystery Fleet and “Gold” Laptops

Adding fuel to the fire are fresh and shocking allegations regarding the OVP’s expenditures. Reports and critics have flagged the purchase of 19 units of motor vehicles with a staggering total price tag of over ₱26 million. This equates to roughly ₱1.3 million per vehicle, leading many to speculate if the OVP purchased luxury motorcycles or high-end SUVs. Netizens and commentators are asking: What kind of “service vehicles” cost over a million pesos each? Are these intended for public service, or are they high-performance toys paid for by taxpayer money?

The controversy doesn’t stop at vehicles. The OVP is also under scrutiny for the alleged purchase of laptops costing nearly ₱300,000 each, and other electronic equipment with price tags that defy market standards. Critics point out that while ordinary Filipinos struggle with inflation and basic needs, the OVP seems to be on a shopping spree for “gold-plated” gadgets. These “overpriced” items stand in stark contrast to the Vice President’s narrative of budget constraints and her supposed fight against greed.

The Ghost of Confidential Funds

Usec. Castro’s clapback also reignited the issue of the infamous ₱125 million in confidential funds that the OVP reportedly spent in just 11 days back in 2022. This issue remains a thorn in the Vice President’s side, a symbol of alleged lack of transparency that no amount of “Year-End Reports” can easily erase. Former lawmakers and activists, including Sarah Elago, were quick to remind the public of this anomaly. “The people have not forgotten,” they echoed, slamming the VP’s anti-corruption stance as hypocritical.

A deepening rift

This latest clash signifies a deepening rift between the Vice President and the current administration. What was once a “UniTeam” appears to be dissolving into open warfare, with corruption allegations being weaponized on both sides. Sara Duterte’s attempt to brand herself as an anti-corruption crusader has seemingly backfired, inviting more scrutiny into her own office’s financial dealings.

As the allegations of overpriced motorcycles, luxury laptops, and questionable funds continue to mount, the public is left asking: Is this a genuine fight for good governance, or just a bitter power struggle? One thing is certain—the Palace has drawn a line in the sand, and they are demanding that the “cleaning” starts at the Office of the Vice President.