The Makabayan bloc has criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for allegedly portraying herself as a victim amid impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives.
In a statement on March 7, the progressive lawmakers dismissed Duterte’s claim that the House investigation into her alleged misuse of confidential funds was part of a political conspiracy.
“These are rehashed lines—‘gasgas na script’—meant to evade accountability by playing the victim,” the bloc said.
Composed of Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers), Sarah Elago (Gabriela), and Renee Co (Kabataan) in the 20th Congress, the bloc stressed that confidential funds involve public money and must be subject to scrutiny.
“Confidential funds involve public money. When millions are requested, rushed, and shrouded in secrecy, the Filipino people have every right to demand answers,” they said.
The lawmakers argued that congressional oversight cannot be dismissed as a “fishing expedition,” noting that red flags were raised over the size, speed, and purpose of the ₱612.5 million in confidential funds at the center of the impeachment complaints.
They also warned that Duterte’s repeated reference to “unmodified opinions” from the Commission on Audit (COA) could mislead the public.
“An unmodified opinion is not a blanket certification that no wrongdoing occurred, especially when the spending category limits disclosure,” they noted.
Makabayan further accused Duterte of attacking critics instead of addressing the allegations.
“Ang pulitikong nagigipit, sa red-tagging kumakapit. It’s already 2026 pero ganyan pa rin siya,” they said.
The bloc urged Duterte to face the congressional process directly.
“Humaharap ang mga opisyal na walang itinatago. Umatend siya sa Committee on Justice at sagutin niya ang mga tanong ng taumbayan,” they added.
The House Committee on Justice, chaired by Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, recently ruled that two impeachment complaints against Duterte were sufficient in form and substance. The panel has given the Vice President 10 calendar days to respond to the accusations.