Vice President Sara Duterte claimed on Friday, September 11, that the administration is employing a recurring “pattern” of false allegations and statements as part of ongoing political harassment against her.
Duterte made the comments during an ambush interview following the dismissal of a perjury complaint she filed against her alleged former aide, Ramil Madriaga, by the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office.
“Well, nakikita natin yung pattern, kapag nagsisinungaling yung isang tao, nagsisinungaling yung isang kidnapper, at okay lang basta nakakatulong iyon sa political harassment ng administration,” Duterte stated.
The Vice President spoke to reporters after appearing at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court alongside her brother, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, for a scheduled arraignment on grave threats charges. The court deferred the arraignment after her defense team requested a delay pending a court decision on a separate motion.
During the interview, Duterte asserted that she had anticipated coordinated actions against her, noting that she alerted her staff early last year.
“Matagal na. Nag-release kami ng statement, Feb. 7, 2024 pa lang, nagsabi na ako sa Chief of Staff na alam namin kung ano yung mga plano,” she said, though she did not elaborate on the details of the alleged scheme.
Duterte also voiced continued concern regarding her safety, citing specific past incidents as the root of her anxieties.
“Since 2023, I feel threatened. I feel harassed. I do not feel safe,” Duterte said. “Pero may trabaho tayo na kailangan na gawin at may obligasyon ako sa lahat ng tao, kaya kailangan ko gawin.”
Beyond the grave threats indictment, the Vice President faces a Senate impeachment trial, where the House prosecution panel recently indicated plans to call her to the stand.
When asked if she would comply if summoned as a prosecution witness, Duterte reserved judgment until official papers are served.
“Hindi ko muna masagot iyan, dahil wala pang papel o dokumento na nagsasabi na kailangan ko mag-appear as witness of the prosecution,” she noted.