Councilors in Davao City have united in their stance that a potential new impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte is driven by political motives, especially with the 2028 presidential elections approaching.
Davao Lawmakers Decry Political Timing
During the Pulong Pulong sa Dabawenyos on Monday, January 12, 2026, Councilor Temujin “Tek” Ocampo stated that the complaints against the Vice President are repetitive and have already been addressed. He bluntly linked the move to the coming electoral battle.
"Let's be blunt about it. 2028 is just around the corner, we know that they will fight tooth and nail just to do that thing against the vice president," Ocampo declared. He went further, suggesting that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. should be the one facing cases for allegedly signing the General Appropriations Act (GAA) without full understanding and with corruption involved.
Councilor Ralph Abella echoed this, questioning why Duterte is singled out over confidential funds when both the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President have them, emphasizing she is merely performing her duties.
A Call to Focus on National Issues
Other councilors shifted focus to the country's pressing problems. Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre expressed that the public is weary of the impeachment issue and the administration should concentrate on the economy, labor, and poverty.
He highlighted the administration's low trust rating and public dissatisfaction. Alejandre urged Congress to wake up, stating that pursuing impeachment would be a waste of time and money while the nation is mired in difficulty.
Councilor Pamela Librado reinforced this, listing labor, food security, and the educational budget as critical national issues needing solutions. "As public servants, we should not forget that there are many issues that need to be addressed," she said, while acknowledging the legal right to file an impeachment complaint.
The Looming Threat of a New Complaint
Reports indicate that once the constitutionally mandated one-year ban lapses in February 2026, a new impeachment complaint against Duterte is possible. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Chairperson Teddy Casiño confirmed on December 2 that they are preparing to refile, with additional groups potentially joining.
House Public Accounts Panel Chairperson Terry Ridon affirmed the possibility of a February filing, even pending a Supreme Court appeal on a previous ruling. That ruling, on July 25, 2025, nullified an earlier impeachment transmitted to the Senate, citing a violation of the one-year bar rule.
Malacañang, through Press Officer Claire Castro on January 12, 2026, stated President Marcos believes any new complaint should undergo rigorous scrutiny, and he will respect the process. Meanwhile, Duterte's allies have condemned the move. Her brother, Rep. Paolo Duterte, called a potential filing "scripted, rushed, and based on orders" on January 11, 2026.
