Fresh VP raps not budget-driven

ANY FRESH moves to impeach Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio this year would not be driven by money, as lawmakers would likely be focused on preserving the integrity of the process and ensuring accountability, a congressman said on Wednesday.

Groups seeking her removal have signaled plans to file a new impeachment complaint once the restriction is lifted on Feb. 5.

“Impeachment proceedings are based on the quest for truth and accountability,” Party-list Rep. Terry L. Ridon said in a media briefing. “If House members or civil society would want to file it again… they are free to do so.”

“I don’t think they’ll be motivated by any promises of any projects for 2026,” he added.

Office of the Vice-President Spokeswoman Ruth B. Castelo did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.

Ms. Duterte is the first vice-president to be impeached, but her Senate trial to decide whether she would be removed from office and barred from public service for life was aborted after the Supreme Court ruled the impeachment unconstitutional.

She had faced a slew of accusations ranging from budget anomalies to plotting the assassination of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., his wife and his cousin, a former House speaker. The Vice-President has denied any wrong-doing.

Ms. Duterte had said in December that she is prepared to answer allegations if a new complaint is filed against her, but alleged the process of removing her from office as a “budget-driven” effort. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio