VP Sara Duterte held a press conference at her office in Mandaluyong City on Friday, February 7, two days after the House of Representatives transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate, setting the stage for her trial.
Duterte responded to the impeachment by saying, “God save the Philippines.”
She expressed gratitude to her supporters for their prayers and trust despite the accusations against her.
She urged the public to remain hopeful, emphasizing that victory belongs to the people.
The press conference took an unexpected turn when Duterte decided to take questions from the media.
When asked about her legal defense, she revealed that her lawyers had been preparing since 2023 when ACT Partylist Rep. France Castro first raised the possibility of impeachment.
She confirmed that she would meet with her legal team later in the afternoon for updates on their strategy.
Duterte declined to confirm whether her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, was involved in her legal defense.
She stated that even if her father offered to join her defense team, she would not allow it due to his age of 80.
However, she noted that several lawyers had expressed willingness to defend her in the impeachment case.
Duterte affirmed her respect for the Senate’s role in handling the impeachment trial, acknowledging that it is part of their duty.
She added that she felt no particular concern regarding the case.
Duterte also reiterated that she never made any statements about an assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.