Senator Risa Hontiveros stressed that impeachment proceedings should never be reduced to personal attacks, as she responded to remarks from Vice President Sara Duterte following the filing of an impeachment complaint by the Akbayan group.

Hontiveros described the accusations against her as “uncalled for,” emphasizing that the motives of those pursuing impeachment should not be questioned when the constitutional process is meant to uphold accountability among the country’s highest officials.

In an earlier statement, Vice President Duterte suggested that the impeachment move was politically motivated and linked it to Hontiveros’ alleged plans to run for president in the 2028 elections.

The senator rejected the claim, reiterating that the primary purpose of impeachment is to ensure accountability from impeachable officials, including the President and the Vice President, and not to advance personal political ambitions.

Hontiveros added that, as a senator, she is preparing to fulfill her constitutional duty as a senator-judge should an impeachment complaint reach the Senate for trial.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the House of Representatives has the exclusive power to initiate impeachment cases, while the Senate serves as the impeachment court once the complaint is transmitted for trial.