Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte questioned on Monday, Dec. 8 the timing of alleged talks about a fresh impeachment complaint against her, claiming it is used as a bargaining chip for lawmakers before the passage of the 2026 budget.
In a statement, Duterte said she was not surprised with the supposed discussions at the House of Representatives about filing a new complaint against her.
She cited the pronouncements of former Senate President Chiz Escudero and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco that in February 2024, signatures for her impeachment were allegedly being courted in exchange for budget allocations.
Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives in February 2025 over allegations of budget misuse and threats to the presidential family, among others.
The Senate has archived her impeachment case, following a Supreme Court ruling that declared it as unconstitutional for violating the one year bar rule in the Constitution that prohibits multiple impeachment proceedings within a year.
“I have always stood ready to answer any allegation grounded in fact and truth. But I cannot remain silent while the impeachment process is being twisted into a budget-driven racket,” Duterte said.
Last week, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan chairperson Teddy Casiño bared in a televised interview that the group is preparing a fresh impeachment complaint against the vice president.
The one year-bar expires on Feb. 5 2026, which means a fresh complaint may be filed against Duterte.
