Vice President Sara Duterte said she will not resign from office despite the impeachment case against her, saying stepping down would betray the millions of Filipinos who elected her.
Speaking before members of the Filipino community in London on Saturday, Duterte dismissed the possibility of resigning.
“Never gonna happen. Hindi ako magre-resign. Dahil ‘yun ay parang betrayal sa 32.2 million na mga kababayan natin na bumoto sa akin,” she said.
She also challenged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to remove her from office through legal means.
“Gusto ni BBM tanggalin niya ako. Gawin niya ang lahat, tanggalin niya ako,” Duterte said.
The vice president said her focus remains on the work of the Office of the Vice President and on preparing her defense in the ongoing impeachment proceedings before the Senate.
“Lagi ako nagpapasalamat sa legal team, sa defense team, at sa mga kababayan natin sa suporta nila sa akin, at siyempre sa tulong nila sa akin at patuloy nilang pagtitiwala sa Office of the Vice President,” she said.
Duterte also addressed speculation about the 2028 presidential election, saying preparations for a possible candidacy would only begin after the impeachment proceedings have concluded.
“Kahit pa man na sinabi ko na tatakbo ako sa 2028 elections, lahat ng preparations do’n ay mangyayari kapag tapos na ang impeachment trial,” she said.
The Senate impeachment court is scheduled to resume proceedings on Wednesday, July 29, following the State of the Nation Address of President Marcos on Monday.
