Vice President Sara Duterte made it clear that she has no plans to resign, despite the House of Representatives impeaching her earlier this week.
“Wala pa tayo doon. Masyado pang malayo ‘yung mga ganyan na mga bagay,” Duterte said in a press conference on Friday.
She also admitted that she has not read the verified impeachment complaint and will leave legal matters to her team of lawyers, who have been preparing since November 2023.
Duterte’s Response to Impeachment
🔹 Refuses to Appear in Senate Impeachment Trial – “Kung puwede naman hindi, then hindi na. Baka ma-intimidate lang sila lahat sa presence ko doon.”
🔹 On Senate Acquittal – She refused to speculate on the Senate’s decision, saying she has not reached out to any senators, including her political allies.
🔹 On Feeling Betrayed – She dismissed the idea of being betrayed by lawmakers, saying their friendships were never “worthwhile” to begin with.
‘God Save the Philippines’ & A Valentine’s Dig
In her first press conference since her impeachment, Duterte sarcastically responded to the situation:
“Sa kabila ng lahat ng aking mga naging pahayag ukol sa planong impeachment sa mga nakaraang buwan, ang tanging masasabi ko na lamang sa puntong ito ay ‘God save the Philippines.’”
She also compared her impeachment to a breakup:
“Mas masakit pa maiwan ng boyfriend o girlfriend kaysa ma-impeach ka ng House of Representatives.”
Duterte’s 2028 Presidential Bid Still in Play?
Despite the controversy, Duterte confirmed she is still considering running for president in 2028.
“We are seriously considering that. But it’s difficult to decide without numbers. Kailangan malaman ‘yung surveys and numbers next year pa ‘yun.”
What’s Next?
✅ Senate Impeachment Trial – Will begin in June, once sessions resume.
✅ Legal Strategy – Duterte’s legal team is preparing her defense, though former President Rodrigo Duterte may not lead it due to age.
✅ Public Perception – Duterte remains defiant, positioning herself as a victim of political maneuvering while keeping her 2028 presidential ambitions alive.