Vice President Sara Duterte assured the public on Wednesday that she has no intention of fleeing the Philippines or hiding if a warrant of arrest is issued against her.
Speaking at a press conference, Duterte said she wants to remain in the country to stay close to her children, even if detained.
“No, I don’t plan to leave the country or hide if there’s a warrant of arrest because my children are here,” she said in a GMA News report. “If I get detained, I want to see my children. So I have no plans of leaving the country to hide.”
Duterte, along with Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) head Colonel Raymund Dante Lachica and others, is facing complaints filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for direct assault, disobedience, and grave coercion. The charges relate to disruptions at the House of Representatives Detention Center and Veterans Memorial Medical Center involving her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez.
The Vice President also faces two impeachment complaints in the House of Representatives over alleged irregularities in the use of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) under her leadership. Duterte revealed her legal team is preparing for additional cases, including a third impeachment complaint.
“We had a meeting with the lawyers recently because we need more legal support. We’re expecting another impeachment case,” Duterte said, noting her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, offered financial help for legal fees, which she declined.
Duterte also addressed her absence from a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) inquiry regarding her controversial remark about ordering the death of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should she die. Instead, her lawyer, Atty. Paul Lim, submitted a letter explaining her non-appearance and denial of the claim.
