A senior House leader said Vice President Sara Duterte’s decision to declare her intention to run for president in 2028 has intensified scrutiny over the accusations she currently faces, including multiple impeachment complaints.
Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. described the announcement as premature, noting that the next national elections remain two years away and that three impeachment complaints had already been lodged when she made her declaration.
“Napakaaga ng kanyang announcement (Her announcement is too early),” Abante said.
According to the lawmaker, the public pronouncement does not dampen the controversy surrounding the Vice President. Instead, he believes it places the existing allegations more prominently before the Filipino people.
“Her announcement would open the Pandora’s box for everything. That will expose her publicly,” said the House Committee on Human Rights chairman.
Duterte publicly confirmed her presidential aspirations on the morning of Feb. 18. That same evening, Abante, along with Deputy Speaker and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V, backed a fourth impeachment complaint filed against her. The complaint was submitted by Atty. Nathaniel Cabrera.
Abante clarified that his endorsement of the complaint was unrelated to the 2028 race, stressing that the issue centers on present accountability rather than future electoral contests.
“This is about 2026, about whether the Vice President remains fit to hold the second highest office in the land. This is not about politics; this is about accountability and integrity,” Abante said.
He maintained that the impeachment proceedings provide an avenue for Duterte to directly respond to the allegations. If no violations are proven, the complaint will not prosper; if evidence supports the accusations, the case will advance to trial.
Abante also underscored that the final determination will rest with the Senate acting as an impeachment court, while members of the House of Representatives will serve as prosecutors.
