Vice President Sara Duterte has dismissed suggestions that lawmakers are wary of political payback if they reject impeachment bids against her, asserting that she is “not vindictive” and that the allegations lack factual support.
Speaking from The Hague on May 7, the Vice President urged members of the House of Representatives to focus on the substance of the complaints rather than fearing potential retaliation.
She cited her political history in Davao City as proof of her character, even after years of contending with high-profile rivals.
“Matagal na ako sa politika. Hindi ako kilalang tao na, or politiko na vindictive. Alam ‘yan ng mga taga-Davao,” Duterte said.
“Hindi ako kilala na isang vindictive na tao,” she added.
Duterte maintained that the impeachment filings are built on empty accusations.
She challenged legislators to scrutinize the documents for actual proof, claiming the current complaints are merely a collection of unsupported claims.
“Pag ako congressman, hindi ako titingin sa kung vindictive ba o hindi ‘yung isang tao. Titingin ako sa ebidensya. Meron bang ebidensya o wala? Wala naman.,” she argued.
“Nung finile ‘yung complaint, walang ebidensya at all ‘yung nakalagay doon. Lahat ‘yun parang, ano man tawag nung abugado sa kanila? Parang, kung baga allegations lang lahat. Nothing to support the allegations. So ‘yun ‘yung dapat na tinitingnan nila. May basehan ba ito o wala?,” the Vice President added.
Questioning the true intent behind the movement, Duterte asked whether the proceedings are a legitimate pursuit of accountability or a move to oust an official who disagrees with the current administration.
“Ano ba talaga ang totoong kwento dito? Is this accountability, or is this about removing a person who doesn’t agree with the administration?” she asked.
The Vice President also addressed rumors that lawmakers fear losing district funding if they side with her, noting that the national budget is already stretched thin.
She warned that further diverting funds to legislative maintenance expenses could compromise government operations.
“Zero na talaga. Wala nang pera. Merong impeachment o wala, wala nang pera na pwedeng ibigay. Pag binigay pa nila ang pang-MOOE sa mga congressman, hindi na magfu-function ang gobyerno,” Duterte remarked.
The Vice President is currently in the Netherlands during a multi-nation working trip that includes stops in South Korea, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Her visit coincides with International Criminal Court proceedings involving her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.