Vice President Sara Duterte issued a challenge on Wednesday, August 26, urging those behind the impeachment complaints against her to substantiate their allegations with concrete evidence rather than resorting to character attacks, speculation, and political drama.
Through a statement issued by the Office of the Vice President, Duterte maintained that those backing the two impeachment complaints must rely strictly on the legal merits of their arguments rather than attempting to gather evidence while the trial is actively underway.
“Prove the impeachable offense. Prove it with evidence—not insults, speculation, or political theatrics,” Duterte declared.
The Vice President pointed out that the complaints lacked sufficient evidence from the start, accusing her detractors of inflating claims to fabricate a dramatic narrative of misconduct.
She criticized improper remarks made during the proceedings, specifically noting instances where a lawmaker called a witness “stupid,” an attorney labeled her the “mastermind of a scam,” and another witness called her a “brat”.
“A strong case does not need the adornment of theatrics,” she noted, stressing that personal slurs cannot compensate for missing proof.
“Insults reveal the need to feign confidence in the face of a weak presentation,” she added.
Duterte also directed criticism toward the administration and its congressional supporters, claiming they are focused on the wrong priorities while citizens contend with widespread poverty and flooding.
“Mga kababayan, lubog na ang bansa sa baha at kahirapan, pero tila walang mananagot,” she said, contending that leaders are instead preoccupied with the impeachment trial, the 2027 national budget, and potential constitutional amendments to extend their terms in office.
Her statements come as her legal team emphasizes that the impeachment court must base its ruling purely on established evidence and legal grounds, warning against statements aimed at swaying public perception.
Under the Constitution, prosecutors hold the burden of proof to substantiate their claims and demonstrate that the cited actions constitute impeachable offenses.