Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday questioned the timing of renewed discussions about a possible fresh impeachment complaint against her, saying the issue was being used as leverage by some lawmakers as the 2026 budget nears final approval.
Duterte said she was unsurprised by reports of alleged talks in the House of Representatives, citing earlier claims from Senator Chiz Escudero and Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco that as early as February 2024, signatures for her impeachment were supposedly being sought in exchange for budget allocations.
She was impeached by the House in February 2025 over alleged budget misuse and supposed threats to the presidential family.
The Senate, however, archived the case after the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional for violating the Constitution’s one-year bar on multiple impeachment proceedings.
“I have always stood ready to answer any allegation grounded in fact and truth. But I cannot remain silent while the impeachment process is being twisted into a budget-driven racket,” Duterte said.
Last week, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan chairperson and former Bayan Muna Representative Teddy Casiño said his group was preparing a new impeachment complaint.
The one-year bar from her previous impeachment lapses on February 5, 2026, clearing the way for a fresh filing.