Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday finally broke her silence after the House of Representatives (HoR) approved the impeachment complaint against her on Wednesday.
Vice President Duterte was in high spirits during a live press conference on Friday where she was seen smiling, appeared calm and gamely answered questions from the media.
“Marami ang humihingi ng reaksyon, komento, o damdamin ko sa isyu ng impeachment na inihain laban sa akin. Sa kabila ng aking mga naging pahayag sa ukol sa planong impeachment sa mga nakaraan na buwan, ang tanging masasabi ko na lamang sa puntong ito ay, “God save the Philippines,” she said.
The vice president even extended a message for Valentine’s Day.
“Alam nyo, mas masakit pa ang maiwanan ng girlfriend o boyfriend kesa ma-impeach ng House of Representatives,” she said in jest.
The fourth impeachment complaint against the vice president was approved by the House on the last day of its session before recess on Wednesday wherein a total of 215 lawmakers signed the petition, which was filed the same day, surpassing even two-thirds of the lower chamber’s 306 members.
The articles of impeachment was then sent to the Senate for trial on the same day, however, the body has adjourned until June 2, 2025.
Duterte said she has yet to be briefed by her lawyers on the impeachment complaint, but assured supporters that her team is prepared for a potential trial.
The vice president added that she would welcome her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, to her defense team if he’s interested to join.
“Na overwhelm kami dahil ang daming lawyers na nagsignify na tutulong sila sa defense. Ngayon ang pinag-uusapan is how to go about it na makuha lahat yung kanilang commitment of support at makatutulong sila sa pag-iisip kung ano ang gagawin,” she said.
The vice president also said that she had been preparing for the impeachment since House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro mooted the matter last year.
“Alam ko ang penalties ng impeachment and the moment na sinabi ni France Castro last year at nung nag-resign ako sa Department of Education (DepEd), pinag-isipan ko na lahat yan,” she said.
The vice president also commented on 215 lawmakers explaining why they decided to sign the impeachment complaint against her.
“Paniwala ko lang if you have to explain or defend your signature in a yes petition of impeachment, then you feel you have done something wrong. Kasi kung wala ka naman ginawang mali, bakit mo i-dedefend ‘yung pirma mo, yun ang paniwala ko,” she said.
The vice president also expressed her unwavering trust in the Filipino people amidst the ongoing impeachment efforts.
She extended heartfelt gratitude to her supporters and encouraged them to remain steadfast.
“Manalig kayo dahil nasa taumbayan ang tagumpay. Bukod dito, nais ko na lamang ipaabot ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat sa ating mga kababayan na patuloy na sumusporta, manalig lang kayo dahil nasa taumbayan ang tagumpay,” she said.
