The Tamesis
Manila – The 1987 Constitution states that public officials “must always be accountable to the people.” As a lawyer, even Vice President Sara Duterte would not consider herself exempt from this task, which requires the courage to face one’s accusers.
But on March 25, the country’s second-most powerful official chose a path she often travels: the path of the empty chair.
By skipping the House Judiciary Committee’s impeachment hearing, Duterte expressed deep disdain for the democratic process she swore to uphold and the due process she has repeatedly demanded of others but not herself.
“Currently, the Commission has nothing to do but dismiss these complaints as it is clear there is insufficient evidence [against me],” Duterte said in a statement, questioning why the House would rather “put politics first” than address the energy crisis caused by war in the Middle East.
The vice president further said the invitation to the House panel was simply to “shape the media narrative” during a so-called “mini-trial,” a term used by some House members to describe the format of the proceedings. “In this way, the House of Representatives is using the hearing to launch a third fishing expedition against me,” Duterte said.
due process rights
Duterte said she would rather use her time to “help Filipinos, especially by reminding them, by going directly into the communities and easing the expense difficulties faced by families in need.”
It’s a literal nod to the vice president, but it’s telling from an interviewee who, just a year ago, complained to the Supreme Court that her due process rights were violated because she wasn’t given an adequate opportunity to be heard.
Now, for the nth time, the House of Representatives has given her such a forum to refute allegations of misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds earmarked for the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which she once headed, but she is hiding behind a new excuse, calling the lawsuit a political stunt.
It seems that Duterte also wants to have his cake and eat it too.
Constitutional law expert Paul Tamas noted that Duterte said in her petition to the Supreme Court that she was not given a chance to be heard. “Now, she’s essentially complaining that you gave her … too many opportunities to be heard,” he said. “What exactly is that? It seems that their positions are not consistent.”
The most ridiculous defense
She asked for protection from the court as the lawsuit moved forward rapidly. Now that the courts have cleared the way and the House is proceeding with caution, she rejects the invitation as a waste of time.
Perhaps the most absurd defense is that Duterte is suddenly preoccupied with the economy. While rising oil prices are a real crisis, the vice president cannot use it as a shield against corruption charges. As retired professor Roland Simbulan points out, she is neither finance minister nor foreign secretary. “So obviously she was just looking for an excuse not to show up,” he said.
The vice president’s defense attorneys insist they were not disrespectful, but their actions suggest otherwise.
On Friday, another group of lawyers asked the Supreme Court to block the House proceedings, claiming the judicial panel erred in finding that the third and fourth impeachment charges against Duterte were sufficient. The argument evolved from “lack of due process” to “procedural ultra vires”.
How ironic that Duterte’s current attitude is so far removed from her bravado in May 2025, when she claimed she “really wants a trial” because she wanted a “bloodbath.”
delays and distractions
Now, the warrior image has been replaced by a wily politician hiding behind “answer ads” and casting himself as the victim of politics by turning to a 2028 presidential narrative to delay and distract.
In fact, Duterte noted that impeachment is a political process and one that has traditionally been used for partisan purposes by lawmakers influenced by vested interests. But it remains the primary tool for removing impeachable officials who betray their office or commit wrongdoing.
The House is certainly not immune to criticism of any missteps or double standards, but no one can question its legitimate responsibility to pursue the truth behind serious allegations of conduct in government service.
Duterte would be well reminded that public office is a matter of public trust, not just a slogan but a constitutional decree. She must appear on her next scheduled date in April to resolve once and for all the outstanding questions about her spending of taxpayer money. People deserve more than an absence and a blanket denial from the Vice President.
For someone who dramatically called for a bloodbath in the House of Representatives, Duterte’s actions betrayed what she really wanted: a whitewash.
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