Duterte thankful for opportunity to clear her name at impeachment trial

Metro Manila, Philippines - Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday, May 30, said she is among the majority of Filipinos who want the impeachment trial against her to push through as she sees the proceedings as an opportunity to clear her name.

When asked to comment on a survey that showed 88 percent of Filipinos want her to face impeachment charges, Duterte replied: “I totally agree.”

“Kasama ako doon sa 88 percent na iyan na nagsasabi at ako ay parang thankful sa opportunity na malinis iyong pangalan ko at masagot iyong mga akusasyon sa akin,” she added.

[Translate: I am among the 88 percent who said so and I am thankful for the opportunity to clear my name and answer accusations against me.]

However, Duterte has a pending petition where she urged the Supreme Court to block the basis of her looming impeachment trial on constitutional grounds. 

The vice president is facing charges related to her alleged misuse of confidential funds and public threats against the President and his family.

The proceedings were moved to June 11 after Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero postponed the highly anticipated convening of the Senate as an impeachment court for the trial.