Sara's presidential bid could sway lawmakers' impeach vote, House official warns

National

VICE President Sara Duterte’s early declaration for the 2028 presidency has introduced a new layer of political calculation to the House of Representatives’ handling of her impeachment, according to a house chamber leader.

Per an Inquirer.net report, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor noted on Wednesday, Feb. 18, that while official committee hearings will follow standard constitutional procedures, the Vice President’s high approval ratings could weigh heavily on the final vote.

He suggested that lawmakers from regions where the Dutertes remain influential may fear political repercussions for supporting her removal, a factor that could stall the complaints at the committee level.

The announcement came just hours before a fourth impeachment complaint was filed against the Vice President by lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera on Wednesday evening. This latest petition builds upon existing allegations of corruption, the misuse of confidential funds, and recent threats made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Critics, including ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, were quick to dismiss the Vice President’s bid as a strategic "distraction" and a political "gimmick."

Similarly, Representatives Sarah Elago and Renee Co contended that the declaration was a desperate attempt to shift public attention away from the "real issue" of accountability.

They also argued that the timing was a calculated move intended to intimidate members of Congress just as the impeachment proceedings gained momentum.

The activist lawmakers further emphasized that Duterte should focus on answering mounting questions regarding the liquidation of public funds and the use of "fake names" in government documents, rather than projecting her future political ambitions.

While the President and Vice President's camp face a prolonged political battle, the opposition is moving cautiously to carve its own path for 2028.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who has previously expressed openness to being the frontrunner, confirmed that the united opposition is currently vetting potential standard-bearers based on shared values such as anti-corruption and good governance.(Mary Angel Parac, BiPSU Comm Intern)