MANILA — Opposition lawmakers have voiced concerns after Vice President Sara Duterte announced plans to run for president in 2028, as new impeachment complaints against her continue to emerge.

The declaration, made yesterday, comes amid multiple impeachment complaints alleging corruption, misuse of public funds, and betrayal of public trust.

Timing Intended to Avoid Accountability

The party-list group Akbayan described VP Duterte’s announcement as a “Palusot,” suggesting it was intended to deflect attention from accountability issues. “No one is surprised. Vice President Sara Duterte’s declaration of her 2028 presidential bid is nothing new. Time and again, we have said that seeking the presidency is one of her family’s paths to evade calls for justice and accountability, particularly for the alleged extrajudicial killings and plunder that they are accused of.”

Akbayan added that the timing was “telling” as it comes days before the House of Representatives is set to hold committee hearings on the new impeachment complaints, as well as the International Criminal Court’s preparation to examine charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Afraid obviously to face the serious charges, she and her family desperately hope to frame them as mere political attacks meant to derail their political ambitions. Sara’s presidential declaration is, in effect, a new ‘palusot,’ an excuse to distract and divert the public,” the statement said.

Other than Akbayan, Gabriela Women’s Party also criticized VP Duterte’s move as an attempt to avoid accountability, citing misuse of public funds. “Sawang-sawa na ang kababaihan sa mga kurakot at dapat harapin ni VP Sara Duterte ang mga matitinding isyu ng korapsyon laban sa kanya,” Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago said.

Rep. Abante: Presidential Ambitions Would Not Affect Impeachment Proceedings

Meanwhile, Rep. Bienvenido Abante said that VP Duterte’s ambitions would not be a disadvantage and would not affect the impeachment proceedings.

“I don’t see it to be a disadvantage. No, because we’re not talking about 2028. This is about 2026, about whether the vice president remains fit to hold the second-highest office in the land,” Abante said. “Candidacy announcements do not erase accountability. Running for president is not a defense to grave allegations. It is precisely why accountability must be faced squarely and promptly.”

Abante also emphasized that the proceedings focus on VP Duterte’s current role. “She should face the issues because the people are the ones affected here, not her, but the people.”

“Impeachment exists for exactly this situation – when a public official’s actions raise serious questions of integrity, legality and fitness to serve,” Abante stressed, endorsing the complaint as the allegations go to the core of public trust.

Current Complaints

Duterte is currently facing multiple impeachment complaints, including a fourth filing lodged on the same day as her presidential announcement. The complaints include allegations of corruption, bribery, and misuse of confidential government funds, though Duterte has previously dismissed impeachment efforts as politically motivated.

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