Vice President Sara Duterte Eager for Impeachment Trial
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her anticipation for the impeachment trial set to take place in the Senate during the upcoming 20th Congress. She openly stated her desire for a thorough hearing, emphasizing the seriousness of the proceedings.
“Sinabihan ko na rin talaga sila, really, I truly want a trial because I want a bloodbath talaga,” Duterte said during a media briefing in Davao City, reflecting her readiness to face the accusations head-on.
Despite her eagerness, Duterte urged caution against making premature judgments about the trial’s outcome, which is scheduled to begin on July 30. “They haven’t seen evidence yet, they haven’t seen what the prosecutors have, and they haven’t seen what our defense is. Mali siguro na magbilangan ng boto na walang trial,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of due process.
“Whether guilty man ‘yon or acquittal, I’m already at peace,” she added, showing her confidence regardless of the verdict.
Details of the Impeachment Complaint
The impeachment complaint filed by members of the House of Representatives covers several allegations. These include the alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, supposed links to extrajudicial killings in Davao City, and controversial remarks she made about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
During the interview, Duterte addressed claims that she avoided answering questions about the Office of the Vice President’s confidential funds. She clarified that she attended the House hearings prepared to participate but was not asked any questions.
“So hindi sa ayaw ko sumagot, wala silang tanong during the hearing,” she explained. “Nag-decide na lang sila, okay, impeach na lang natin siya without any evidence at all of wrongdoing.”
Accusers and Political Context
Duterte also commented on the possible involvement of incoming party-list representatives Chel Diokno and Leila De Lima as part of the prosecution team. She noted their longstanding opposition to her family, saying, “They’ve been very vocal anti-Duterte since birth. In fact, wala pa sa mapa si dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte to become president ay anti-Duterte na talaga si Secretary De Lima.”
She accused her critics of acting out of desperation and personal interests rather than genuine concern for public welfare. “These individuals are desperate. Desperate for, as I said, cash, cocaine, and champagne,” Duterte alleged.
Characterizing the Impeachment as a Disqualification Case
The Vice President described the impeachment effort as a “glorified disqualification case,” highlighting that a guilty verdict would bar her from holding public office in the future.
Looking ahead, Duterte revealed that her supporters have given her until December 2026 to decide whether she will run for president in 2028 or support another candidate. “They have more than a year to really sit down and list down the pros and cons, as I did in 2021, with regard to running for president,” she shared.
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