HONG KONG — Filipino activists protested outside the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong during a visit by Vice President Sara Duterte, calling for her impeachment and accusing her of avoiding accountability over alleged misuse of public funds.
Demonstrators chanted “Impeach Sara Now!” and “Sara is not welcome in Hong Kong,” according to a statement from organizers.
Lai Besana, a spokesperson for Migrante Hong Kong, said not all overseas Filipino workers welcomed Duterte’s presence. Besana accused the vice president of finding time to travel and campaign while failing to face proceedings against her in the Philippines.
Sheila Tebia, vice chair of Bayan Hong Kong and Macau, criticized Duterte for meeting, eating and posing for photographs with Filipinos in Hong Kong while facing allegations related to her time in office.
The group called for scrutiny of alleged irregularities involving confidential funds and spending during Duterte’s tenure at the Department of Education. Among the allegations cited were the spending of 125 million Philippine pesos in 11 days and the existence of so-called ghost projects.
The protesters also criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., accusing his administration of failing to hold powerful officials accountable. Annabelle Maregmen, vice chairperson of Gabriela Hong Kong, raised concerns about confidential and intelligence funds and alleged corruption involving flood-control projects.
Bayan Hong Kong and Macau called on Filipinos to remain critical of both political families and to demand accountability regardless of an official’s position.
