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Bella Cariaso - The Philippine Star
February 8, 2026 | 12:00am
Vice President Sara Duterte.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte dismissed yesterday the newly filed impeachment complaints of Akbayan party-list against her, alleging that they are politically motivated and tied to Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ supposed presidential ambitions in 2028.
In a video message, Duterte questioned the credibility of Akbayan, the party-list of which Hontiveros is a member.
“Akbayan lacks the credibility to endorse or file an impeachment complaint. Their leader has repeatedly publicly stated her intention to run for president – a clear indication of the political motive behind their actions,” she said.
Duterte also cited a previous speech and interview of Hontiveros, showing a clip in her video message.
“While his daughter is still in power, our fight will not be easy. While VP Sara is in power, the threat of a full-blown Duterte comeback is still a very real and present danger. For one, they are supported by one major superpower, China,” Hontiveros said in the interview.
Duterte further described the impeachment efforts as harassment and an abuse of the constitutional process.
“It is clear that all of this is a form of harassment and abuse in the impeachment process by the Akbayan group. It is not clear what they are fighting for in terms of public order, but their politicking and affecting our country’s diplomacy is very clear,” Duterte added.
Two impeachment complaints against Duterte were transmitted Thursday afternoon to the Office of Speaker Faustino Dy III, in accordance with the Constitution and House rules, House Secretary-General Cheloy Garafil said.
Garafil stressed that her office performs a ministerial and administrative duty, guided at all times by the Constitution, House rules and established protocol.
The first verified complaint was filed by members of the Makabayan coalition and endorsed by party-list Reps. Antonio Tinio (ACT), Sarah Jane Elago (Gabriela) and Renee Louise Co (Kabataan).
Duterte said the impeachment push was not new, recalling that a previous attempt followed her departure from the Cabinet.
She also criticized the 19th Congress for conducting what she described as an “investigation in aid of legislation” that allegedly served as a fishing expedition for impeachment.
“They have repeatedly flagged the Mary Grace Piattos issue as allegedly tainted with corruption, even though despite all the investigations they have not shown a single direct violation in the use of confidential funds,” she said.
Last year, Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun revealed that “Mary Grace Piattos” supposedly received the largest share of confidential funds disbursed by the Office of the Vice President in December 2022. — Mark Ernest Villeza and Jose Rodel Clapano
