Manila 6th District Representative Benny Abante on Thursday clarified that the impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte are meant to determine her fitness to remain in office, and are not connected to her plan to run for president in 2028.
Abante, who endorsed the fourth impeachment complaint together with La Union 1st District Representative Paolo Ortega, said Duterte must directly answer the allegations against her.
“This is about 2026, about whether the Vice President remains fit to hold the second-highest office in the land,” Abante said.
He stressed that Duterte’s announcement of her 2028 presidential bid does not erase her accountability.
“Running for president is not a defense to grave allegations. This is not about politics, but this is about accountability and integrity,” the lawmaker said.
Abante added that Duterte should treat the impeachment proceedings as an opportunity to respond squarely to the accusations.
“If ever siya ay walang nagawang masama, eh ‘di magiging balewala yung impeachment complaint, ‘di ba. Eh kung meron naman nagawa, magpapatuloy ang impeachment complaint sa impeachment court,” he said.
The statement underscores the House’s position that the impeachment process is focused on governance and integrity, rather than political maneuvering ahead of the 2028 elections.