Vice President Sara Duterte said she is fully prepared to assume the country’s top post should President Marcos leave office, emphasizing that her position places her next in line under the Constitution.
Speaking to reporters in Davao City on Tuesday, Nov. 25, Duterte underscored that her readiness was clear even before she won the vice presidency. “Of course, there is no question about my readiness. I presented myself to you when I was a candidate for Vice President with the understanding that I am the first in line in succession,” she said.
She noted that her responsibilities are already defined by law. “Wala nang tanong doon kung ano ang gagawin ko. Yun ang mandate sa akin ng Constitution. At alam ko yun noong ako ay tumakbo at binoto ninyo ako as Vice President knowing that I am first in line,” she added.
Her remarks came as the administration faces heightened public pressure amid corruption allegations involving flood control projects. Since August, widespread frustration has escalated into massive street demonstrations, including two major rallies that drew hundreds of thousands and another protest scheduled for Nov. 30. Speculation about potential destabilization within the military has surfaced alongside these events.
During the same media exchange, Duterte directly linked the President—her former political ally—to the controversy, claiming he bears responsibility for questionable insertions in the national budget. “So, his signature on the General Appropriations Act is the best evidence against him. Accountable siya kasi he allowed the insertions so that is a cupable violation of the Constitution,” she said, asserting that Marcos has committed multiple impeachable acts.
She cited additional issues she considers violations. “Refusal to take a drug test, that is betrayal of public trust. Allowing the ICC to enter the Republic of the Philippines is culpable violation of the Constitution. That is against our national sovereignty,” Duterte stressed.
The Vice President herself was impeached by the House of Representatives in February, though the Supreme Court later overturned the decision. The Senate subsequently archived the Articles of Impeachment while awaiting a pending Motion for Reconsideration before the high tribunal.
Asked about initiating impeachment proceedings against Marcos, Duterte dismissed the idea, arguing that attempts would go nowhere given the House’s loyalty to the President. She also rejected claims that groups had consulted her about pursuing such a complaint.
The controversy intensified after resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co alleged that Marcos, former speaker Martin Romualdez, and Rep. Sandro Marcos were involved in the flood control scandal. Co has remained in hiding since July and has ignored an arrest warrant issued against him.
Months earlier, during the unraveling of the UniTeam alliance, Duterte publicly criticized Co and Romualdez, accusing them of controlling the nation’s finances.
