Vice President Sara Duterte's early announcement to run for president in 2028 is unlikely to intimidate lawmakers from pursuing impeachment complaints against her, according to Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights.
Vice President Sara Duterte’s declaration of her intention to run for president in the 2028 elections will not discourage members of the House of Representatives from proceeding with impeachment complaints, said Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., who chairs the House Committee on Human Rights. Abante, who supported the filing of a fourth impeachment complaint against Duterte, described her early presidential announcement as potentially a “blessing in disguise” for her opponents. He noted that the early announcement would subject her to intensified public scrutiny during a time when voters demand transparency and accountability. “Personally, I am not afraid of her announcement. In fact, her early declaration might be a blessing in disguise,” Abante stated during a news forum in Quezon City. He emphasized that the ongoing impeachment complaints focus on Duterte’s current position in 2026 rather than her 2028 plans. Abante also mentioned that if the elections were held today, the Vice President could be a viable candidate, but that does not mean she is unbeatable. Alongside House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V, Abante endorsed the fourth impeachment complaint filed against Duterte, which was transmitted to Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III. The latest complaint alleges betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, including the misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds and allegations related to a threatening statement Duterte made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family during a 2024 livestreamed press briefing. These complaints are being reviewed as part of ongoing political and legal processes within the Philippine House of Representatives.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/977374/sara-duterte-impeachment-abante/story/
