I’m not vindictive: Sara not scared to lose VP post
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte dismissed speculation that her political plans could influence lawmakers in voting on the impeachment complaint against her.
“I’ve been in politics for a long time. I was not a vindictive politician. The people of Davao know that,” Duterte said in an interview in The Hague, Netherlands.
Duterte has declared that she intends to run for president in 2028.
“If I were a congressman, I wouldn’t think if the person is vindictive or not, I would look at the evidence. Is there any evidence? When the complaint was filed, there was no evidence at all. It’s just allegations, nothing to support the allegations. That’s what they should be looking at. Is there a basis (for the impeachment) or not? It is about removing a person who doesn’t agree with the administration,” Duterte added.
House Deputy Speaker and National Unity Party chair Ronaldo Puno recently said it will be easy to muster the required 106 threshold votes to impeach the Vice President.
Duterte said she is not afraid of losing the vice presidency amid the ongoing impeachment case against her as the House committee on justice said that she should be perpetually banned from occupying public office.
“For me, if I remain vice president, well and good, I can help more people through the Office of the Vice President. If I don’t become vice president, that’s OK too, for me... I can still help people, in a different capacity, in a different way, either way, I won’t lose my capacity to help, I don’t think I’m crazy about that position,” Duterte said.
“I experienced that when I didn’t run for congressman in 2013. After I became mayor, I didn’t run for politics, I became a lawyer and I also helped, not as far and wide as the Office of the Vice President, but I also helped people as a lawyer,” Duterte added.
Duterte will not be in the Philippines when the plenary vote will be held as her overseas trip will be until May 15. After the Netherlands, she will travel to South Korea, Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Sara denies throwing laptop
Duterte has also denied reports that she threw a laptop at a member of her 16-man defense team.
“Actually, to be honest, it’s too much of a garbage gossip that shouldn’t be given attention. But because you asked, I’ll just answer,” Duterte said.
She was reacting to viral social media posts that she threw a laptop at lawyer Michael Poa, spokesperson for her legal team, in alleged frustration over the handling of her impeachment case.
“Never in the history of my job have I thrown a laptop at a colleague or an employee. Because, first of all, when you throw a laptop or a cellphone, it has no benefit to you. And of course, it has no benefit to the victim (hit by) a laptop or a cellphone,” Duterte said.
“Second, I don’t use a laptop because I don’t know how to use a computer. In all documents, I just rely on my colleague. Sometimes, when I use a laptop, I use it for Zoom meetings, because I want the image to look good in the Zoom meeting,” she added.
According to Duterte, she is using a personal laptop.
“My laptop is my personal laptop. I bought it. It’s expensive. And I won’t just throw it about; it will break. And it’s expensive to buy a new laptop. Because you’re asking why my laptop is private? The government can’t afford the laptop I want. So, I bought a laptop. The people in the government said they can’t afford my laptop. So I bought a laptop,” she noted.
Duterte accused her enemies of sowing misinformation against her.
“They claimed I’m crazy. I’m stupid. I’m pro-China, incompetent, brat, unstable, corrupt, thief,” Duterte said.
2028 elections
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday said the 2028 elections will unquestionably proceed under the Constitution and preparations are already underway, with the poll body estimating readiness at 50 to 60 percent.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said there is no basis for doubts on the conduct of the next presidential elections, responding to Duterte’s remarks expressing hope that the 2028 polls will be held and conducted in an honest, orderly and peaceful manner.
Duterte, in an interview on Monday, also described herself as a “presumptive candidate” after declaring her intention to seek the presidency.
Garcia said the commission is steadily advancing its preparations even years ahead of the scheduled national vote.
“We are merely implementers of our laws. And on the part of the Comelec, in truth, we are already about 50 percent to 60 percent prepared for the 2028 elections,” Garcia said, adding that the constitutional mandate ensures the conduct of elections will proceed as scheduled.
Garcia also dismissed concerns and speculation about the 2028 polls, saying there is no doubt this will push through.
Meanwhile, the poll chief noted that Comelec has recently conducted vendor presentations and early consultations with stakeholders as part of preparations for future electoral exercises, including possible voting technology upgrades.
He said these early steps are intended to ensure transparency and efficiency in the procurement and planning process for election systems.
Garcia added that Comelec continues to refine its election roadmap through consultations with citizens’ arms, stakeholders, and technology providers as part of long-term modernization efforts.
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