Sara’s ‘silence’ questioned regarding China-linked fund claims

Fisherfolk leaders from Zambales and Bataan have questioned Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged silence on Chinese harassment in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid allegations that companies linked to her and her husband, Manases “Mans” Carpio, received millions of pesos from China-linked sources.

The issue was raised during the West Philippine Sea Atin Ito forum at Camayan Beach Resort in Subic Bay Freeport on 11 October, where leaders of several fisherfolk organizations called for answers about the reported transactions and Duterte’s position on Chinese aggression.

Leonardo “Ka Nards” Cuaresma, president of the New Masinloc Fishermen Association and an Atin Ito co-convenor, questioned whether the alleged payments explained the Vice President’s silence.

“Vice President Sara, are you silent amid the violence and cruelty we suffer in the West Philippine Sea at China’s hands because your silence was bought with millions?” Cuaresma said.

The allegations also surfaced during the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Duterte, where the prosecution presented evidence concerning her alleged unexplained wealth from 2007 to 2025.

Anti-Money Laundering Council executive director Ronel Buenaventura testified that CALE88, a company linked to Duterte and Carpio, received five inward transactions from China-based companies between 2022 and 2024, ranging from P4.3 million to P5.6 million.

Sea disruptions

Self-proclaimed digital forensic expert Alexander Cabrera also presented findings alleging that Duterte received P222.62 million in remittances from nine countries, including P193.95 million from 10 China-based companies.

Former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV earlier claimed that CALE88 received P319 million from China. He also cited alleged foreign funding received by the Duterte-linked Tapang at Malasakit Alliance for the Philippines Inc. These remain allegations presented or raised in connection with the proceedings.

Another former lawmaker, Robert Ace Barbers, said the findings could prompt the public to question Duterte’s silence on Chinese actions in Philippine waters, particularly as Chinese vessels have disrupted the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk.

Cuaresma urged Duterte and Carpio to explain the nature, source and purpose of the reported transactions and called on the Vice President to condemn Chinese harassment.