Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Monday stressed that the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte should not be interpreted as an attempt to derail her potential 2028 presidential bid, emphasizing that the process is rooted in accountability rather than electoral politics.
Speaking at a press conference, Hontiveros underscored the constitutional basis of impeachment.
“Ang isang impeachment complaint mula sa mamamayan… ay at its heart, paghingi ng mamamayan ng accountability sa lahat ng aming pinakamatataas na elected officials,” Hontiveros said.
“It should not be reduced to anything else, not even election. Meron siyang halaga in and of itself at pahahalagahan namin ‘yun at paka-iingatan namin ‘yun dito sa Senado,” she added.
Her remarks came after Duterte publicly declared her intention to run for president in 2028, a move some political observers believe could influence the dynamics in Congress regarding the impeachment proceedings.
Hontiveros dismissed suggestions that the early declaration should make lawmakers hesitant to act.
“Ang walking on eggshells ko lamang ay to do my duty properly as a senator-judge,” she said.
The senator revealed that she has begun preparing with her legislative staff in anticipation of a possible trial, should the House of Representatives transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate.
Duterte currently faces three impeachment complaints, although one was withdrawn by its petitioners in an effort to consolidate filings and expedite proceedings. She has been accused of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.
As of Monday, two complaints — one endorsed by Leila de Lima of the Mamamayang Liberal Party-list and another backed by Benny Abante of Manila’s 6th District and Paolo Ortega of La Union’s 1st District — were declared sufficient in form by the House Committee on Justice.
A separate complaint endorsed by the Makabayan bloc was set aside by majority vote amid concerns that it could violate the constitutional one-year bar rule.