VP Sara Duterte Faces Impeachment Amid Political Claims
MANILA, Philippines — Being a front-runner is no defense against serious allegations, stressed Lanao 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong. He responded firmly to Vice President Sara Duterte’s claims that the impeachment complaint filed against her is politically motivated and designed to stop her from running for president in 2028.
Adiong described Duterte’s statements as a distraction from the essential matter of accountability. “Let me be very clear: being a front-runner is not a defense against serious allegations. It is not a shield from investigation, nor does it justify violating the Constitution,” he said in a Thursday statement.
He added, “Being a front-runner doesn’t give you the license to commit crimes or break the Constitution. Popularity does not grant immunity.”
Allegations of Bribery Rejected by Lawmakers
Aside from asserting political motivations behind the impeachment, Duterte also accused some lawmakers of receiving money to back the complaint. Adiong called this claim outrageous, malicious, and beneath the dignity of the Vice President’s office.
“For her to allege—without any proof—that we were paid to perform our constitutional duty insults every member of the House of Representatives,” Adiong emphasized. “We signed the impeachment complaint because we believe in accountability, not because we were bought. This institution is not for sale.”
He also pointed out that using victimhood and spreading disinformation only weakens democratic institutions. “We do not impeach people because they are popular. We impeach when laws are broken. That is our duty and constitutional mandate. No one is above the law, not even the most powerful officials,” Adiong said.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Adiong concluded, “Let the truth emerge in the proper forum. We are not afraid of scrutiny—and neither should she be if her conscience is clear.”
Earlier, Duterte claimed the impeachment moves stem from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s wish to perpetuate his family’s power. Duterte now faces a Senate impeachment trial on charges including betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. This follows the House of Representatives’ impeachment vote on February 5.
FILE PHOTO: The House committee on appropriations examined the proposed P2.037-billion budget for the Office of the Vice President, which Duterte attended in August 2024, sources said.
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