Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc on Wednesday criticized Vice President Sara Duterte’s announcement that she intends to seek the presidency in 2028, describing it as a strategic move meant to shift attention away from impeachment efforts now pending in the House of Representatives.
Duterte’s statement comes as three impeachment complaints, endorsed by opposition lawmakers including members of the Makabayan bloc, remain awaiting referral in the House.
ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio argued that the timing of Duterte’s announcement appeared deliberate, suggesting it was meant to influence lawmakers ahead of possible impeachment proceedings.
“Malinaw na kalkulado ang timing ng announcement bago isalang at lumarga ‘yung impeachment complaint sa kanya sa Kongreso. Siguro, tingin niya, matatakot niya o masisindak niya ang mga kongresista dahil tatakbo siyang presidente. Pero makikita natin na dahil napakatibay ng batayan sa kaniyang impeachment, di uubra ‘yung ganyang mag-gimmick at malalantad muli ang kabulukan sa ginawa niya sa official funds,” Tinio said.
Kabataan party-list Representative Renee Co also questioned the early declaration, calling it an attempt to redirect public attention away from the demand for accountability.
“Well, in my head, this is a distraction. Supposedly, ang taong bayan, ang mga kongresista, ang mga ahensya ay naka-gear na i-pursue ang pananagutan hanggang sa dulo nito. Pero meron ngayong nilabas na announcement that is premature and… providing intention na may higher ambitions si VP Sara Duterte. At this point in time, hindi ito ang tanong na dapat sinasagot ni VP Sara Duterte,” Co said.
Co stressed that discussions should remain centered on allegations involving the Vice President’s confidential and intelligence funds, which were included among the issues raised in the impeachment complaint.
Gabriela party-list Representative Sarah Elago likewise urged fellow lawmakers not to be distracted by political developments and instead uphold their constitutional responsibility in dealing with the impeachment complaints.
“It may also be a desperate attempt to divert attention away from the real issue that is the questionable use of the confidential intelligence funds of the OVP (Office of the Vice President) and the DepEd (Department of Education) Budget, the use of fake names, as well as the disregard for the process of checks and balances and accountability, as well as the explanation of how public funds were spent,” Elago said in a mix of English and Filipino.
“‘Yan po ‘yung mga batayan ng impeachment complaint na aming naendorso. Kaya hamon din ‘yan talaga dito sa mga member ng Kongreso na ipakita nila ‘yung kanilang pagiging tapat du’n sa sinumpaang tungkulin na magsilbi sa interes ng taong bayan at hindi ‘yung mga pansariling interes,” Elago said.
The Makabayan bloc is among those supporting the impeachment complaint filed against Duterte, which cites alleged betrayal of public trust and accusations of misuse of confidential funds linked to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education during her time as secretary.
Despite Duterte’s early announcement for the 2028 presidential race and her continued public backing, the bloc insisted that the House must act on the complaints based on constitutional procedures and existing rules.
