Although Vice President Sara Duterte said that the spirit of Christmas talks about forgiveness, she also admitted that she will never forgive those who wronged her.

Vice President Sara Duterte (MB file photo)

During a gift-giving activity by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in Lagawe, Ifugao on Tuesday, Dec. 3, the official stated that she’s duty-bound to tell the audience that the spirit of Christmas is about “forgiving, giving, and loving.”

“Ang Pasko po ay panahon ng pagpapatawad, pagmamahalan, at pagbibigay (Christmas is a time for forgiveness, love, and giving),” she said.

“Lagi ko pong sinasabi na depende po ‘yan sa tao pero dahil ako ay vice president, kailangan ko sabihin sa inyo na ‘yan po ang mensahe at diwa ng Pasko. Pero ako, hindi po talaga ako magpapatawad (I always say that it depends on the person but because I am the vice president, I need to tell you that’s the message and spirit of Christmas. But as for me, I will really never forgive),” she stressed.

And while she made no mention of who she won’t forgive, Duterte, her family, and even her staff at the OVP are all facing intense scrutiny from President Marcos’ allies in the House of Representatives.

The Vice President, in particular, is facing two impeachment complaints grounded on her alleged misuse of public funds and attempts to cover these up through purportedly fabricated documents.

“Iba-iba naman ang tao eh, di ba? Mayroon sa atin mabilis magpatawad, mayroon sa atin matagal. At mayroon sa atin na dinadala talaga sa hukay ang galit (People are different, right? Some of us are quick to forgive, some took long. And then there are some of us who take their anger to their deaths),” she said.

However, the official clarified that a “simple celebration” of Christmas by loved ones in their homes is what’s important.

With two impeachment complaints lodged against Duterte, the Vice President has yet to respond to these as of press time.

The first impeachment complaint cited culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes as grounds for impeachment.

The second complaint, on the other hand, centers on three allegations, which include the "abuse, misuse, and wastage" of confidential funds; systematic cover-up of such actions through fabricated accomplishment reports, receipts, and documents submitted to the Commission on Audit (COA); and deliberate obstruction of congressional investigation and oversight.

These impeachment complaints were endorsed by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña and Makabayan bloc Reps. France Castro, Arlene Brosas, and Raoul Manuel.