Vice President Sara Duterte accused Sen. Risa Hontiveros, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, and former senator Antonio Trillanes IV of being orchestrated by a single political handler in attempts to oust her, including an alleged plan for impeachment. In a press conference held at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in Mandaluyong City, Duterte expressed her belief that the attacks are just the beginning of a larger scheme.
“They already had their grounds for impeachment since last year. They’re just waiting to gather more evidence to back it up,” Duterte stated. She also claimed Castro was leading the efforts but was acting under the orders of an unnamed handler, adding that Hontiveros and Trillanes were similarly involved.
While pressed for the identity of the handler, Duterte said she would reveal the name in due time. “At the proper time, I will disclose everything. Someone will mention the name soon in the hearing, and then I will identify that person,” she added.
In response, Castro dismissed Duterte’s accusations, calling them a “squid tactic” meant to divert attention from the controversy surrounding Duterte’s confidential funds. “This is of course not true and just another attempt by VP Duterte to avoid explaining her reckless spending,” Castro said.
Duterte also criticized lawmakers for using witnesses with “no credibility,” referencing former DepEd undersecretary Gloria Mercado, whom she fired over alleged misconduct.
The Vice President has faced scrutiny over her spending of confidential funds and her absenteeism during budget deliberations. Meanwhile, some senators have indicated a potential increase in Duterte’s OVP budget for 2025, despite it being reduced by the House of Representatives.
