VP Sara backs Marcos' lifestyle checks on officials

Vice President Sara Duterte has expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s order to conduct lifestyle checks on all government officials as part of an investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

During an interview in The Hague, Netherlands on Wednesday, Duterte emphasized that these checks should be thorough and extend beyond the usual review of Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth (SALN) to include appointed officials and identify any fronts or 'dummies' for public officials.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro stated earlier that Marcos ordered lifestyle checks among all officials, with investigations starting with those from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The DPWH has acknowledged the presence of 'ghost' flood control projects and committed to investigating them.

Vice President Duterte also called for accountability of government officials and private contractors involved in anomalous projects, emphasizing that public safety is at risk if these issues are not addressed.

Duterte further challenged the Marcos administration to scrutinize the 2024 and 2025 budgets if it is serious about fighting corruption, alleging misuse by certain House members of funds meant for school construction.