MANILA, Philippines — The Makabayan bloc has expressed concerns over what they described as “desperation” following former President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to join the legal team of his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who is currently facing impeachment complaints in the House of Representatives.
The progressive coalition, which includes party-list representatives from ACT Teachers, Kabataan, and Gabriela, suggested that Duterte’s involvement in his daughter’s legal defense could be a diversionary tactic.
“Instead of directly addressing questions about the misuse of confidential funds, she hides behind her father. This is clearly a desperate attempt to rally political support after her satisfaction ratings have declined,” said ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro.
Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Broses, meanwhile, emphasized that the Dutertes should face their own legal troubles.
“The Vice President seems to think her father is free to defend her, forgetting that he himself may face charges for violations of International Humanitarian Law, whether in local courts as per the Quadripartite Committee’s recommendation or at the International Criminal Court,” Broses said.
Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel described the former president’s decision as part of a political show.
“Vice President Sara should address the allegations of malversation, not create political spectacles,” he added.
The three lawmakers urged Vice President Sara Duterte to “stop these diversionary tactics and face the allegations head-on,” stressing that the Filipino people deserve transparency and accountability from their public officials, especially when it comes to the use of public funds.
In a Thursday interview, Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed that her father had expressed his intention to join her legal team for all her cases, including the impeachment complaints.
She said her father is now preparing the necessary documents to be part of her defense.
Three separate impeachment complaints have been filed against the Vice President in the House of Representatives.
However, none of these complaints have been referred to the House committee on justice yet.
