Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly stated that she was not consulted by the group of lawyers who recently filed a petition before the Supreme Court of the Philippines, which seeks to stop the ongoing impeachment proceedings against her in the House of Representatives. She emphasized that she has left all legal matters entirely to her defense team, distancing herself from the judicial action.
Duterte's Focus on Public Service Amid Legal Battle
During a media interview on Saturday, March 28, 2026, following the Parada Dabawenyo event, Duterte explained her current priorities. "Kasi hindi ko na iniisip ang impeachment sa panahon ngayon. Iniwan ko na yan lahat sa mga abogado (Because I am no longer thinking about the impeachment at this time. I have already left all of that to the lawyers)," she said. This statement underscores her decision to concentrate on her official duties rather than engage directly in the legal fray.
Duterte expressed gratitude toward independent lawyers who, though not part of her official defense team, have taken steps to challenge what she described as an "abusive" impeachment process. She highlighted their efforts to uphold constitutional principles, noting that her primary concern remains assisting Filipinos, as evidenced by continued public calls for help. The Office of the Vice President, she assured, will persist in providing aid to the public despite the political turmoil.
Details of the Supreme Court Petition
On March 27, 2026, lawyers allied with Duterte filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition, accompanied by a request for a writ of preliminary injunction, before the Supreme Court. This legal move aims to halt the impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives. Lawyer Israelito Torren clarified during a press conference that the petition's objective is to address constitutional issues inherent in the impeachment process, rather than to shield the vice president personally.
"We are asking the court to decide whether the House Committee on Justice may keep preliminary complaints alive by relaxing rules and using subpoenas to substantiate claims," Torren stated. The impeachment complaints against Duterte include allegations such as:
- Misuse of government funds
- Accumulation of wealth disproportionate to her income
- Plotting against senior officials
Duterte's Remarks on Political Support and Events
When questioned about the presence of her allies during the Parada Dabawenyo, Duterte remarked that Davao City welcomes everyone. She clarified that she is not closely acquainted with all attendees, mentioning she only knows Kiko Barzaga from the 2022 campaign and that it was merely her second encounter with Rowena Guanzon.
Additionally, Duterte expressed surprise at the support from visitors outside Davao who have endorsed her potential presidential candidacy. "Kaya nakakataba ng puso na merong hindi taga-Davao na pareho ang narararamdaman ng karamihan ng mga Dabawenyo, lalong-lao na sa celebration ng Araw ng Dabaw (It’s heartwarming that there are people who are not from Davao but feel the same way as most Dabawenyos, especially during the celebration of Araw ng Dabaw)," she said, highlighting the emotional resonance of such backing during local festivities.
This development adds a new layer to the political landscape, as Duterte navigates both legal challenges and public sentiment while maintaining her focus on governance and community support.
