MANILA – Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday dismissed the plunder and graft complaints filed against her over the alleged misuse of confidential funds as “another fishing expedition,” insisting the accusations are baseless and politically motivated amid her escalating feud with the Marcos administration. The response came hours after the Office of the Ombudsman announced it was probing the cases, including a P1.5-billion confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) disbursement during her tenure as Davao City mayor and education secretary.
In a statement laced with defiance, Duterte framed the charges as a “recycled” attack from the same playbook used in prior probes that yielded no convictions. “This is another fishing expedition by the same people who have been trying to destroy my reputation for years,” she said, vowing to “face these allegations head-on with the truth.” She accused her detractors of weaponizing institutions to silence dissent, adding: “They can file all the cases they want, but they cannot erase the work I have done for the Filipino people.”
The complaints, filed by groups including Akbayan and former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño, allege Duterte misappropriated CIF for personal gain, including luxury purchases and political machinery. Ombudsman Samuel Martires confirmed the cases are under preliminary investigation, with potential for indictment if probable cause is found.
Duterte’s camp has long maintained the funds were used for legitimate intelligence operations, with liquidation reports submitted as required. Her allies, including Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte, rallied behind her, calling the probe a “desperate diversion” from the P20-billion flood control scandal implicating Marcos allies.
As the holidays approach, Duterte’s defiance resonates with her base, turning legal battles into rallying cries. Whether this “fishing expedition” nets evidence or flops remains to be seen—but in Philippine politics, the bait is always out.