Vice President Sara Duterte has urged her supporters to prioritize their livelihoods over taking to the streets in protest against her impeachment, emphasizing the economic hardships currently faced by many Filipinos.
She made the statement while entertaining questions from the media after addressing the nation regarding the impeachment case against her.
Before taking media questions, Duterte delivered a brief address to the nation, responding to her impeachment with a concise statement: “God save the Philippines.” She also expressed gratitude to her supporters, ending with a message of reassurance:
“Have faith because victory belongs to the people” (“Manalig kayo dahil sa taumbayan ang tagumpay.”).
Duterte Urges Supporters to Prioritize Livelihood Over Protests
“In these times when prices of goods, especially food, are so high, I tell my supporters—the people—to focus first on their work and businesses instead of rallying in the streets”
(“Sa panahon ngayon na sobrang mahal ng presyo ng mga bilihin, lalung lalo ng mga pagkain, sasabihin ko sa mga supporters–sa mga taumbayan–na unahin muna nila ang trabaho at negosyo nila kaysa sa magrally sila sa mga daan.”), Duterte said. “We are all breadwinners, and we have children and families who depend on us” (“Dahil lahat tayo breadwinners so mayroon mga bata o kapamilya na nagdedepende sa atin.”).
She acknowledged the public’s right to express their sentiments but suggested that social media is a more practical platform for protest.
“We are the social media capital of the world. If they really want to speak out and help, they should do it on social media, where they can still work while making their voices heard by the people and the world”
(“Tayo naman ng social media capital ng buong mundo. Kung gusto talaga nila magsalita at tumulong, doon muna sila sa social media kung saan nakakatrabaho pa din sila pero nagagawa nila kung ano yung nararamdaman nila na gusto nila gawin at ‘yon ay magsalita at marinig sila ng taumbayan at ng buong mundo.”), she added.
Legal Battle Ahead: Duterte Prepares for Impeachment Trial
Asked about her next steps, Duterte reiterated that her legal team had been preparing for this scenario since November 2024, anticipating the first impeachment complaint filed on December 2, 2024. She maintained her stance of not resigning, stating that it was too early to discuss stepping down.
The House of Representatives voted to impeach her on February 5, 2025, with 215 out of 306 lawmakers supporting the move.
The impeachment charges include alleged misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, and making threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
A second complaint was filed on December 4, 2024, by 70 activists led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, citing betrayal of public trust over the alleged misuse of confidential funds.
As the impeachment case moves to the Senate, where at least 16 out of 24 senators must vote to convict her for removal from office, Duterte continues to urge her supporters to remain engaged but pragmatic in their actions. The Senate is set to reconvene on June 2, 2025, to deliberate on the case.
