Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V on Friday dismissed Vice President Sara Duterte’s accusations that lawmakers were profiting from her name, saying the impeachment proceedings should focus on evidence and accountability rather than political attacks.
Ortega said Duterte’s remarks were merely an attempt to divert attention from the allegations detailed in the Articles of Impeachment now gaining broad support in the House of Representatives.
“Gasgas at lumang tugtugin na ’yan,” Ortega said.
“Kapag hinihingan ng sagot sa ebidensiya, ang balik agad ay paratang na may kumikita, may pera sa bulsa, may maleta. Sagutin na lang niya ang Articles of Impeachment dahil doon nakasulat ang mga tanong na kailangan niyang harapin,” he added.
The lawmaker issued the statement after Duterte remarked that some politicians were allegedly making money by using her name following reports that more than 200 lawmakers were expected to support the impeachment complaint against her.
According to Ortega, Duterte’s response followed a familiar pattern of attacking the motives of critics instead of addressing allegations involving confidential funds, unexplained wealth, alleged bribery, and grave threats cited in the impeachment complaint.
The House leader also pointed to public sentiment supporting the impeachment process, citing a Tangere survey showing that a large majority of respondents wanted Duterte to personally appear before the Senate if the impeachment trial proceeds.
The survey reportedly showed support for Duterte’s appearance across various political affiliations, including respondents aligned with the Marcos administration, Liberal Party supporters, independent voters, and even some Duterte supporters.
“Kung may mahigit 200 mambabatas na handang pumirma at kung malaking mayorya ng publiko ang gustong magkaroon ng paglilitis, hindi na niya puwedeng sabihing intriga lang ito,” Ortega said.
“This is about evidence, accountability and the proper constitutional process,” he added.
Ortega said Duterte must directly answer allegations contained in Article I of the impeachment complaint, which involves the alleged misuse and irregular liquidation of P612.5 million in confidential funds under the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education (DepEd).
He also cited Article II, which raises questions regarding Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth, including the increase in her declared net worth between 2007 and 2024, as well as transactions flagged by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.
The lawmaker also mentioned allegations involving supposed cash distributions to DepEd officials and Duterte’s controversial public statements that were cited in the impeachment articles.
Ortega stressed that if Duterte believes the impeachment complaint lacks basis, she should respond with evidence and explanations instead of accusing lawmakers of ulterior motives.
“Ang gusto ng taumbayan, humarap siya at sumagot,” Ortega said.
He also rejected Duterte’s suggestion that legislators were motivated by money, saying the claim unfairly insults lawmakers who reviewed the impeachment complaint and acted based on public calls for accountability.
“Mas madaling mang-insulto kaysa magpaliwanag,” Ortega added.
“But if public funds are involved and the public is demanding answers, then the proper response is to face the charges, not attack those raising the questions.”