MANILA — Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has accused Vice President Sara Duterte of avoiding responsibility, claiming that Duterte’s recent comments signal an effort to sidestep accountability during potential impeachment proceedings.
Instead of directly addressing the allegations against her, de Lima said Duterte has shifted focus to challenge the protection of documents and witnesses that may play a key role in impeachment investigations.
“VP Sara, who once spoke of a bloodbath, is now again trying to escape impeachment. She was previously impeached, a year has passed, she has announced her plans for the country’s top position, yet she still refuses to answer the charges?” de Lima said in Filipino.
“There is a chance to face the allegations, but she appears intent on steering clear of the discussion,” she added.
De Lima referenced Duterte’s comments in May 2025, when the Vice President declared she was ready for a “bloodbath” during an impeachment trial that ultimately never took place after the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional.
Duterte made the statement after attending a Thanksgiving Mass in Davao City, saying her legal team was fully prepared, even if she preferred that the Senate trial not proceed. “But I told them that I truly want a trial because I want a bloodbath,” she remarked.
elamigo/xf
