‘God save the Philippines…from her’: Reactions to VP Sara’s post-impeachment remarks

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Lawmakers who signed Vice President Sara Duterte's articles of impeachment tell her — see you in the impeachment court

MANILA, Philippines – House lawmakers who signed the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte fought back on Friday, February 7, after the latter downplayed the House’s indictment of her.

In her first press conference since her impeachment, Duterte said, “God save the Philippines,” adding that getting dumped by an ex hits harder than what the lower chamber did to her on Wednesday, February 5.

But for lawmakers, if there were anyone the Filipino people should be saved from, it’s no other than the Vice President herself.

Here are their reactions.

Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña

“Vice President Sara Duterte’s plea of ‘God save the Philippines’ is deeply ironic coming from someone who has consistently failed to save public funds from misuse, protect education from corruption, and defend our fisherfolk and frontliners from China’s harassment in the West Philippine Sea.

“If anyone should be saying ‘God save the Philippines,’ it’s the people suffering from her and her family’s corruption, incompetence, and impunity. 

“If the Vice President is seeking salvation, she should start with truth and accountability. Instead of invoking God to evade responsibility, she must answer for the millions in confidential funds, her failure to stand against China’s aggression, and her lack of compassion for Filipinos in crisis.”

Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega (La Union 1st District), and assistant majority leaders Jil Bongalon (Ako Bicol), Pammy Zamora (Taguig), and Jay Khonghun (Zambales 1st District) of Young Guns

“Vice President Duterte’s press conference was meant to downplay the seriousness of the impeachment complaint against her. Instead, her dismissive remarks only reinforced the perception that she is deeply anxious about the trial ahead.

“Her statement, lacking substance and punctuated by vague, defensive quips, failed to address the grave allegations against her. She did not offer a direct rebuttal to the charges but instead framed the impeachment as a premeditated effort.

“Her attempt at nonchalance cannot mask the reality of the situation. Her statements reflected an underlying fear, poorly disguised as indifference. The overwhelming majority of the House of Representatives has already found probable cause for impeachment.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. The Senate must act swiftly to ensure a transparent and fair trial. Any delay or obstruction will only deepen public distrust in the government.

“The trial is inevitable. See you at the Senate impeachment tribunal.”

Dangerous drugs committee chair and quad committee co-chair Ace Barbers (Surigao del Norte 2nd District)

“All of these articles have a basis, in layman’s terms, they have a foundation, and because they have a foundation, there are pieces of evidence attached to them. How the senator-judges appreciate the evidence is their obligation, and we respect their opinion on that matter.” (translated from Filipino)

Good government and public accountability committee chair Joel Chua

“Let’s just see each other at the Senate impeachment court. We are ready for her and her antics.”

Deputy Minority Leader France Castro (ACT Teachers), Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas (Gabriela), and Kabataan Representative Raoul Manuel of Makabayan bloc

“We, the Makabayan bloc in Congress, are appalled by Vice President Sara Duterte’s cavalier attitude towards her historic impeachment, comparing it to a mere romantic breakup. This shows her utter disregard for the gravity of the charges against her and her contempt for public accountability.

“God save the Philippines from corruption and EJKs. God save the Philippines from Duterte 2.0.

“We will see you in the impeachment court, Madam Vice President. There, you will have to face not a heartbroken lover, but the Filipino people demanding accountability.”

– Rappler.com