Former President Rodrigo Duterte said he might return to the political arena, either as vice president or senator, if his daughter, Vice President Sara Dutete is impeached.
The Vice President faces accusations of misappropriating confidential and intelligence funds.
During an appearance on the “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” TV program, which aired over the SMNI News Channel on Monday night, November 20, the elder Duterte said
“Alam mo pag ginawa ninyo yan, babalik ako sa pulitika. Mapilitan ako, it’s either I run for senator or I will run for vice president maski matanda na ako,” indicating his readiness to re-engage in political affairs.
As a retiree from politics, former President Duterte expressed that he feels he has nothing to lose. He also declared there would be no issue if Vice President Sara were to ascend as the next President of the country.
“I do not lose anything, I’m retired. But if that time comes and I’m still alive, without dementia, if Inday (Sara Duterte’s nickname) becomes the president, it’s okay,” Duterte added.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara reassured the public that their family fully supports the former president’s potential political ambitions. She made this statement in response to her father’s suggestion of a return to office should she face impeachment.
“Kung anuman iyong desisyon ni pangulong Duterte ay buo ang suporta ng pamilya sa kanya,” she assured.
She further added, “Just like kung anuman ‘yung desisyon din namin ng mga anak regarding sa pulitika, buo din ang suporta ng pamilya sa amin. Ganun din ang suporta namin sa desisyon ni pangulong Duterte.”
The impeachment allegations against the vice president originated from a controversial transfer of P125 million worth of confidential funds from the Office of the President to the Office of the Vice President. These funds were reportedly exhausted within a span of just 19 days in December 2022. Legal experts have filed a petition regarding this matter before the Supreme Court.
Persistent reports suggest a forthcoming impeachment case against the Vice President. ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro acknowledged that the topic has surfaced in “informal discussions.”