Malacañang on Monday rejected claims that the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte was intended to block a possible presidential bid in 2028, saying the proceedings are about transparency and accountability.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the statement after Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte alleged that the impeachment case against his sister was part of a plan to prevent her from seeking the presidency.
“Ang pinag-uusapan ngayon dito is it’s about transparency, accountability. May mga issues na dapat sagutin at hindi ito para hindi patakbuhin ang Bise Presidente (What is being discussed here is transparency and accountability. There are issues that need to be addressed, and this is not about preventing the Vice President from running),” Castro said.
She added that if Duterte had been preparing to seek higher office, she should have ensured that public funds under her offices were properly spent and that her conduct in public remained above board.