Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte on Wednesday accused unnamed officials of pressuring lawmakers to support the impeachment of his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, as the House moved toward final proceedings on the case.
In a statement issued April 29, Duterte claimed that staff linked to political figures had been calling chiefs of staff of several congressmen to secure votes in favor of impeachment. He alleged that lawmakers who refuse to support the move were being threatened with the removal of funding for their districts under the General Appropriations Act.
Duterte said the supposed threats included cuts to funding for irrigation, schools, bridges, roads, and social services, particularly affecting poorer provinces.
“What we are seeing now under the bangag leadership is not politics as usual—this is outright coercion,” Duterte said.
He described the alleged actions as “political blackmail,” warning that public funds should not be used as leverage to influence elected officials.
“The national budget is not a weapon. Hindi ito panakot. Hindi ito ginagamit para pilitin ang mga halal na kinatawan na sumunod sa gusto ng iilan.,” he said.
Duterte also questioned the motives behind the impeachment push, suggesting it was driven by political control rather than a pursuit of justice.
“If leadership is confident in its case, then let the evidence speak—not threats, not pressure, and certainly not the hostage-taking of public funds,” he added.
Despite the allegations, Duterte did not provide specific names or evidence to support the claims.
He vowed that he and his allies would continue to oppose the impeachment, framing their stance as a defense of the Filipino electorate rather than a political fight.
“We will stand our ground—not for politics—but for the Filipino people who entrusted us with their voice,” he said.
There was no immediate response from House leadership or other officials regarding Duterte’s claims.
On the same day, the House Committee on Justice established probable cause for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte following three clarificatory hearings on two complaints under its jurisdiction.
