Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s signing of the proposed 2025 national budget could constitute an impeachable offense, citing alleged insertions and irregularities linked to flood control projects.
Duterte said her view was personal but stressed that approving a budget allegedly containing blank items and questionable insertions raises serious constitutional concerns.
“Para sa akin, personal ko na opinyon. Ako, di ba, ang nagsabi pinakauna na impeachable offense ‘yung pagpirma ng budget na alam mong galing siya sa bill na may mga blangko at merong mga insertions.”
Her remarks came after Malacañang maintained that Marcos committed no impeachable act in signing the spending measure.
The Vice President also argued that refusing to address questions about leadership competence or allegations of illegal drug use could likewise be grounds for impeachment.
“At syempre, impeachable offense din ‘yung humihindi ang isang opisyal kapag merong nagtatanong ng competency niya na mamuno at may nagsasabi na gumagamit siya ng illegal na droga.”
Duterte underscored her stance on accountability by citing her constitutional oath of office.
“Kasi nag-oath ako, eh. At sinasabi ko doon, I will preserve and defend the Constitution. Paano mo ma-preserve and defend ang Constitution, ang Saligang Batas, kung wala ka sa tamang pag-iisip?”
She also took aim at Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, criticizing her statements regarding alleged harassment of senators by the administration.
“At syempre kapag ganun ‘yung nagsasalita at ganun ang sinasabi ng nagsasalita nagdadala siya ng kahihiyan sa bayan ng natin. Kaya dapat hindi na siya pinapakinggan at pinapansin.”