(UPDATE) VICE President Sara Duterte described the investigation into flood control project anomalies at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as a staged performance or “zarzuela.”

​“Zarzuela,” a Spanish-derived musical theater form, is used sarcastically to describe a situation that is perceived as fake or pre-rehearsed, rather than genuine.

​She said flood control issues have been a long-existing problem, even during the administration of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte.

​“We know that, since I became mayor in 2010, there has been an issue of corruption in flood control programs, and it is much worse today. As I have said, flood control projects are not the only ones being corrupted,” Duterte said, speaking to supporters led by former presidential spokesman Harry Roque at The Hague.

​She added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. could have easily solved the corruption in his government if he could pinpoint those who are behind it.

​“If the president is serious, it’s done in a day. He can pinpoint the culprits of the budget corruption, but as you can see, it’s like we are watching a zarzuela,” she added.

​Duterte said she looks forward to the Feast of the Our Lady of Penafrancia on Sept. 21.

Sara Duterte calls DPWH flood control Inquiry a 'Zarzuela'

​The vice president plans to meet Bicol local officials, potentially including former vice president and current Naga City mayor Leni Robredo, on her return to the country., This news data comes from:http://771bg.com

​“We want to meet all local government officials, not only of Naga, but the entire Bicol Region, if the schedule permits. But mainly, we will be there to celebrate with the Bicolanos, to pray with the Bicolanos on their biggest event, the Penafrancia Festival,” she said.

​Also on Tuesday, Duterte, in a message sent to the National Forum on Peace for Prosperity, urged Filipinos to embrace neutrality, peace, and unity as essential foundations of national prosperity.

​“When we choose peace, we choose our nation and its people. It is a path we must collectively walk, shoulder to shoulder, as we work to secure a better future for our children,” Duterte said.

Sara Duterte calls DPWH flood control Inquiry a 'Zarzuela'

​The forum’s theme was “Anti-War, Neutrality for Prosperity.”

​Duterte tied her message to the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

​“By learning from the atrocities of the past, we are reminded of the dangers of hatred and tyranny. This history provides a foundation for peace and international cooperation,” she said.

​The event was organized by the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute led by Herman Tiu Laurel, in cooperation with the Peace for Prosperity Coalition of the Philippines.