MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio said she remains unfazed by her impeachment and has left the legal battle entirely in the hands of her lawyers and spokesperson following the House of Representatives’ overwhelming vote to send the case to the Senate for trial.
Speaking from The Hague, Netherlands on Tuesday (Wednesday in the Philippines), Duterte-Carpio dismissed suggestions that the impeachment proceedings had affected her emotionally.
“Wala akong feelings about the impeachment,” Duterte-Carpio said in an interview.
The Vice President said her legal team is already handling matters related to the impeachment complaint after the House voted to formally transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate.
Duterte-Carpio appeared calm despite mounting political pressure, saying her camp would address all issues surrounding the case through proper legal channels.
She, however, expressed disappointment over what she described as politicians prioritizing personal interests instead of addressing the needs of struggling Filipinos.
“Nalulungkot ako dahil inuuna ‘yung mga personal na interest ng iba’t ibang mga politiko at nalulungkot ako dahil napapabayaan ‘yung mga kababayan natin na nangangailangan ng tulong sa panahon ngayon ng paghihirap,” she said.
Amid intensifying political tensions, Duterte-Carpio also called for unity among Filipinos.
“Magkaisa sila. Dapat magkaisa ang ating bansa… dapat iisa lang ‘yung direction natin,” Duterte-Carpio said.
The House of Representatives on Monday voted 257-25-9 in favor of impeaching the Vice President, surpassing the one-third constitutional requirement needed to elevate the case to the Senate for trial.
Lawmakers cited allegations involving the misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and an alleged assassination threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as among the grounds for impeachment./PN
