Vice President Sara Duterte traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a personal trip with her family and took part in an Independence Day gathering with the Filipino community, according to the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
The celebration saw Duterte in the company of PDP-Laban leaders, including party president Senator Robin Padilla, Deputy Secretary General for the Visayas Jayvee Hinlo, Arbitration Committee Chairperson Jimmy Bondoc, DuterTen candidate Dr. Richard Mata, and Senator Imee Marcos.
In a pre-recorded message released for the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence, Duterte called on Filipinos to stand firm in defending their freedoms. “Huwag natin isuko ang ating kalayaan sa mga traydor ng bayan,” she said, in what many see as a veiled swipe at her political critics.
Her public appearance abroad came just as the Senate, acting as an impeachment court, opted to return the complaint against her to the House of Representatives for clarification. The 18-5 vote did not dismiss the case, instead requiring a certification from the House confirming that the filing does not violate the one-year ban on similar complaints, and that incoming lawmakers are willing to carry it forward.
Duterte is facing serious allegations, including graft, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds. Despite the gravity of the accusations, she has remained visible in public events and has yet to issue a detailed response to the charges.
