Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday dismissed claims that lawmakers may vote to impeach her out of fear of political retaliation, saying she is not known as a vindictive politician and that decisions should be based on evidence rather than personal considerations.

Duterte was responding to reports suggesting that some members of the House of Representatives could support impeachment due to concerns that she might retaliate politically if she remains in office.

She said lawmakers should instead focus on the merits of the complaint, stressing that she sees no evidence backing the allegations filed against her. She described the accusations as unsubstantiated and argued that they consist largely of claims without supporting proof.

The vice president said that if she were a lawmaker, she would assess whether a complaint is supported by evidence rather than whether the subject is perceived as vindictive. She added that her record in public service, including years in local politics, does not reflect a pattern of political retaliation.

“Pag ako congressman, hindi ako titingin sa kung vindictive ba o hindi ‘yung isang tao. Titingin ako sa ebidensya. Meron bang ebidensya o wala?”

Duterte also addressed separate reports claiming that some lawmakers may vote for impeachment due to fears of losing budget allocations for their districts.

She rejected the suggestion that public funds could be used as leverage in political decisions, saying government operations would be affected if such practices were allowed to continue.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 6, placed the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte in its calendar of business.

Earlier, the House Committee on Justice unanimously approved the committee report, 55–0, finding probable cause to proceed with the impeachment case, according to Luistro.