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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider All about the narrative? Makabayan says it knows real reason for VP Sara's early declaration

All about the narrative? Makabayan says it knows real reason for VP Sara's early declaration

Published Feb 18, 2026 01:04 pm

At A Glance

  • Members of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives believe they know the real reason behind Vice President Sara Duterte's rather early declaration of her presidential bid in the 2028 elections.
Vice President Sara Duterte (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Vice President Sara Duterte (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


Members of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives believe they know the real reason behind Vice President Sara Duterte's rather early declaration of her presidential bid in the 2028 elections.
According to ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co, Duterte simply wants to "control the narrative" and "portray herself as a victim" in her supposed upcoming impeachment proceedings.
"Vice President Duterte's premature declaration—more than two years before the 2028 elections—is not about serving the Filipino people. It is about framing the impeachment proceedings as purely political harassment rather than what they truly are: a constitutional process to hold an impeachable official accountable for grave offenses," the trio said in a joint statement Wednesday morning, Feb. 18.
"This is about millions of pesos in confidential funds you cannot account for. This is about allegations that you received funding from POGO (Philippine offshore gaming operations)...and drug dealers for your campaign. This is about whistleblowers from your own security group linking you to criminal activities," the solons added, referring to accusations listed on the three verified and endorsed impeachment complaints against the Vice President.
These complaints can be referred anytime in plenary to the House Committee on Justice. This move will effectively initiate the impeachment proceedings against Duterte.
"But the Filipino people are not fools. The impeachment complaint is based on serious, documented allegations supported by whistleblower testimony, official documents, and the Vice President's own contradictory and evasive statements regarding her use of confidential funds," the militant lawmakers said.
They say that by announcing her presidential bid now, Vice President Duterte "is attempting to weaponize her candidacy as a shield against accountability".
"She wants Filipinos to believe that any investigation into her conduct is simply an attack by political enemies trying to prevent her from becoming president," they said.
"Huwag nyang linlangin ang mamamayan, Madam Vice President (Do not deceive the people, Madam Vice President)," Makabayan said.
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