VP Duterte claims impeachment plans are bargaining chip for 2026 budget

Vice President Sara Duterte claimed that plans to refile an impeachment complaint against her are being used as a bargaining chip by lawmakers ahead of the 2026 national budget's passage.

She questioned the timing, calling it a familiar pattern of exploiting the impeachment process for political and financial gain.

However, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio called Duterte's claims "pure speculation" and stated that no new complaint has been filed yet.

Tinio further clarified that impeachment discussions could not have occurred during budget deliberations as it is not a government program.

ML party-list Rep. Leila de Lima suggested that Duterte's remarks could be an attempt to preemptively address "serious accountability issues" she faces.

Duterte stated her readiness to face fact-based allegations but condemned the misuse of the impeachment process.