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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'I never asked for special accommodation': VP Sara defends law school record, hits back at 'mini trial' claims

'I never asked for special accommodation': VP Sara defends law school record, hits back at 'mini trial' claims

Duterte rejects allegations raised in House hearing, accuses critics of 'lies and political maneuvering'

Published Apr 15, 2026 10:31 am  |  Updated Apr 15, 2026 02:13 pm
Vice President Sara Duterte denies needing special treatment in law school as she pushes back against allegations raised during a House hearing she described as a “mini trial.” (Manila Bulletin file)
Vice President Sara Duterte denies needing special treatment in law school as she pushes back against allegations raised during a House hearing she described as a “mini trial.” (Manila Bulletin file)
Stressing that the “bare minimum was easy enough to meet,” Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, April 15, strongly refuted allegations raised during the Committee on Justice hearing, which she described as a “mini trial,” as she defended her academic record and accused critics of spreading false claims
In a statement released by the Office of the Vice President, Duterte took particular issue with accusations that she needed assistance to complete law school, calling the claim baseless and allegedly made by a “bar flunker and kidnapping suspect.”
The Vice President said she completed her law studies independently and prioritized a balanced student life over academic distinction, noting that she met all requirements without seeking special treatment from professors.“I never asked any professor for special accommodation for my grades because the bare minimum was easy enough to meet,” Duterte said.
Duterte added that she graduated from San Sebastian College-Recoletos College of Law in May 2005 and took the Bar Examinations in September of the same year—an uncommon timeline at the institution at the time.“The exam that year was relatively difficult,” Duterte said, adding that she passed on her first attempt with a general weighted average (GWA) of 80, “above the minimum.”
The Vice President also criticized her accuser, Ramil Madriaga, and other lawmakers involved in the proceedings, claiming they failed to present credible arguments.“
Madriaga and his cohorts in the House of Representatives do not come close to my capacity to achieve results with very little effort because they cannot even weave a believable lie, much less follow the rule of law,” she said.
Duterte further alleged that the ongoing proceedings in the House of Representatives of the Philippines reflect a pattern of “abuse and corruption,” referencing earlier impeachment efforts that she claimed were tainted by bribery allegations.
She also linked the issue to broader governance concerns, accusing the administration of failing to address rising prices and instead using public funds for political maneuvering.
“The failure of the administration to provide relief in this price crisis is not due to a lack of resources, but because public funds are being used for political maneuvering to avoid accountability for the most corrupt budget in our country’s history,” Duterte said.
The statement comes amid heightened political tensions following renewed impeachment-related proceedings against the Vice President.
RELATED STORY: 
https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/14/sara-duterte-impeachment-panelo-calls-madriaga-weakest-link

Related Tags

Sara Duterte Sara Duterte law school record Duterte impeachment hearing Philippines Ramil Madriaga allegations Philippine politics Vice President Duterte Sara Duterte impeachment
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