VP Sara slams alleged quid pro quo in impeachment drive

Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday hit back at mounting accusations against her, branding the investigations as “fishing expeditions” designed to manufacture grounds for impeachment rather than uncover the truth.

In a statement, Duterte accused the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability of conducting a “full-blown fishing expedition” last year, alleging that lawmakers searched for anything that could be twisted into impeachment charges.

She further claimed that signatures for her impeachment were actively solicited in exchange for budget allocations—an allegation she said several lawmakers have since confirmed.

Duterte said these developments reduced a constitutionally mandated process into what she described as a “marketplace,” undermining the integrity of democratic institutions.

She warned that a new round of accusations is now being launched to give what she called “a semblance of procedural legitimacy” to another investigation, accusing her critics of weaponizing allegations to achieve political ends.

“I urge our fellow Filipinos to be discerning and not easily swayed by smear campaigns,” Duterte said, stressing that the controversy is not about truth-seeking but about diverting attention from what she claimed is the unresolved plunder of public funds.

The Vice President called on the public to remain resilient amid worsening economic conditions and rising prices of basic goods, while appealing for unity and prayer for peace.

Despite the political storm, Duterte assured the public that the Office of the Vice President would continue delivering efficient, accessible, and responsive services.

“Rest assured that the Office of the Vice President will continue to serve the Filipino people,” she said.

Her statement comes amid heightened political tension, as critics push for deeper scrutiny of her office and allies warn of alleged efforts to weaponize accountability mechanisms for partisan purposes.