Senator Robin Padilla indicated Friday that he would likely vote against the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte if prosecutors rely on the same arguments presented in the February 2025 articles of impeachment.
“Kung ang argumento po nila ay ‘yong dati pa rin, kung ano ang isinalang nila dati pa rin, at ‘yon pa rin ang argumento at walang bago,” he said, making a thumbs-down gesture during an online interview.
Padilla argued that allegations of Duterte’s supposed misuse of confidential funds were insufficient grounds for removal, stressing that other officials with similar allocations should also be scrutinized.
He described the impeachment push as politically motivated, claiming that a “money pot” was used to secure support in the House.
On February 5, 2025, the House impeached Duterte over accusations of graft, corruption, and constitutional violations, citing the alleged malversation of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds during her tenure as vice president and former Education secretary.
Padilla, who previously voted to return and later archive impeachment complaints in past Congresses, reiterated his stance of neutrality but underscored that politics was driving the process.
Following the one-year constitutional bar, four new complaints were filed, some including additional details such as the affidavit of alleged bagman Ramil Madriaga.