VP Sara statements show hidden fear, pro-impeachment solons say

Vice President Sara Duterte's apparent "nonchalance" after the House of Representatives impeached her cannot deny the allegations of corruption and other crimes against her, pro-impeachment lawmakers said Friday.

Representatives Pammy Zamora of Taguig City, Jil Bongalon of Ako Bicol party-list, Paolo Ortega of La Union and Jay Khonghun of Zambales issued a joint statement after the Vice President said she would not resign after her impeachment.

"Sa kabila ng lahat ng aking mga naging pahayag ukol sa planong impeachment sa mga nakaraang buwan, ang tanging masasabi ko na lamang sa puntong ito ay God save the Philippines," Duterte said.

Duterte also said she is "okay" despite the development, adding, "Mas masakit pa maiwan ng boyfriend o girlfriend kaysa ma-impeach ka ng House of Representatives."

"Her attempt at nonchalance cannot mask the reality of the situation. Her statements reflected an underlying fear, poorly disguised as indifference. The impeachment trial is no longer a matter of speculation—it is happening, and she must face it," the four pro-impeachment lawmakers said.

"The overwhelming majority of the House of Representatives has already found probable cause for impeachment, and now the Senate must fulfill its constitutional role in determining her political fate. This trial is not about political maneuvering—it is about upholding the integrity of democratic institutions," they added.

Manila Rep. Joel Chua said Duterte should brace for the impeachment trial instead.

"Magkita na lang kami sa Senate impeachment court. We are ready for her and her antics," said Chua, chair of the House good government and public accountability committee that investigated Duterte's use of confidential funds as Vice President and Education department chief.

In a separate statement, Makabayan bloc's ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas and Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel said Duterte's reaction showed her disregard for the charges hurled against her.

"We, the Makabayan bloc in Congress, are appalled by Vice President Sara Duterte's cavalier attitude towards her historic impeachment, comparing it to a mere romantic breakup. This shows her utter disregard for the gravity of the charges against her and her contempt for public accountability.
God save the Philippines from corruption and extrajudicial killings. God save the Philippines from Duterte 2.0," they said.

The Makabayan lawmakers also chided Duterte for trivializing her impeachment.

"Ang impeachment ay hindi katulad ng paghihiwalay ng magkasintahan. Ito ay isang seryosong usapin ng pananagutan sa taumbayan at ng pagwawaldas ng pera ng bayan," Castro said.

(Impeachment is not like breaking up with a partner. This is a serious matter of accountability to the people and misuse of public funds.)," they added.

Brosas added, "the missing confidential funds, the ghost employees, and the questionable transactions are serious matters that demand an explanation."

"Let us remind the Vice President that impeachment is not a simple Valentine's story. We will see you in the impeachment court, Madam Vice President. There, you will have to face not a heartbroken lover, but the Filipino people demanding accountability," Manuel said.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña, for his part, said the Philippines needs saving from Duterte "who has consistently failed to save public funds from misuse, protect education from corruption, and defend our fisherfolk and frontliners from China’s harassment in the West Philippine Sea."

"If the Vice President is seeking salvation, she should start with truth and accountability. Instead of invoking God to evade responsibility, she must answer for the millions in confidential funds, her failure to stand against China’s aggression, and her lack of compassion for Filipinos in crisis," Cendaña added.—LDF, GMA Integrated News