Vice President Sara Duterte clarified that her earlier statement about a “bloodbath” was never intended as a threat or call to violence, but rather a reference to her own personal ordeal.
“It’s my bloodbath,” Duterte said during a May 31 media interview at The Hague, explaining that she likened her impeachment to a crucifixion. “And if it’s a persecution, it’s some sort of crucifixion against me. And so when there’s a crucifixion, there’s blood.”
She said her words were taken out of context and lamented that many refused to understand what she meant. According to Duterte, the impeachment is politically motivated, stemming from her decision to resign from the Cabinet.
Duterte first made the controversial “bloodbath” remark on May 17, after a thanksgiving mass in Davao City. Since then, she said, her legal team has been preparing to respond to the charges filed against her.
Despite facing three articles of impeachment, the Vice President said she had already anticipated the move since late 2023 and has been mentally and physically preparing—getting regular sleep and following medical advice.
Still, Duterte cast doubt on the fairness of the process. She alleged that evidence was being “fished” during budget hearings, and when nothing concrete came out, an investigation into the use of confidential funds targeted only her office. She claimed her staff were harassed and that 300 lawmakers quickly signing the complaint raised questions about whether they had even read it.
The complaint, backed by 215 lawmakers, accuses Duterte of misusing confidential funds and making threats against top officials.
Asked about former senator Leila de Lima’s comments that dropping the trial would betray the justice system, Duterte said she isn’t certain how things will unfold. “I leave it to the Senate to decide,” she said, adding that her legal team is fully prepared regardless of the outcome.
