Defense panel spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa clarified on Monday, July 13, that Vice President Sara Duterte’s previous references to a “bloodbath” were meant to describe her own suffering amid the impeachment proceedings and not a threat to harm anyone.

During the Office of the Vice President’s press briefing, Poa said the Vice President herself had already explained the meaning behind the remark, emphasizing that it referred to her own blood as she faced the impeachment process.

“I think it's not my definition but actually the vice president's definition that's important. And she already said this, not just recently but even last year, kung ano ba yung ibig niyang sabihin nung sinabi niya yung bloodbath. Ang ibig sabihin niya doon ay yung sariling dugo niya,” Poa said.

He added that Duterte further clarified the statement when she referenced the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley before the second day of her impeachment trial, saying, “In this bloodbath and bludgeoning, I will be bloodied but unbowed.”

Poa rejected interpretations that the statement suggested violence against others, saying, “Definitely hindi. Wala naman pong ganyang insinuation ng Vice President. In fact, last year pa lang, nung inang round ng impeachment, hindi ba, sinabi ka agad niya na what I meant was good blood, but it was my blood.”

The defense spokesperson said the remark had been subject to misinterpretation but maintained that Duterte had already clarified her intended meaning.