Former lawmaker Mike Defensor cautioned that a possible impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte could become the “worst impeachment process” in Philippine political history, warning that it may be driven largely by politics.
Speaking at Friday’s Agenda Forum, Defensor alleged that the administration is targeting the vice president and warned that state resources and pressure could be used to convict her ahead of the 2028 elections, where she is expected to be a leading contender for the presidency.
“Gagamitin ng administrasyon ang lahat ng resources niya,” Defensor said. “Ang lahat ng pinanghahawakan niya, maging ang estado, pananakot, para ma-convict si Inday Sara para pagdating ng eleksyon sa 2028, libre sila.”
“For me, it’s political,” Defensor added. “I think this will be the worst process… ‘yong impeachment process of the Vice President. … I’m pointing to administration. Political ‘tong ginagawa nila kay VP Inday Sara.”
The Supreme Court recently upheld its ruling declaring the articles of impeachment against the vice president unconstitutional, stating that the Senate did not acquire jurisdiction over the proceedings.
Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives, Makabayan lawmakers and the Akbayan Partylist recently endorsed separate impeachment complaints regarding Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds.
Defensor questioned why scrutiny has focused on Duterte over the ₱125 million confidential fund issue, noting that the amount was released by President Bongbong Marcos as part of a contingent fund. He also cited what he described as selective scrutiny, pointing out that larger confidential funds allocated to the President did not face the same level of examination.
Defensor emphasized that impeachment should be based on clear findings from audit and judicial processes, cautioning that turning it into a political tool risks further eroding public trust in institutions.
