Wed Sep 18 06:07:56 UTC 2024: ## Vice President Duterte Accuses Lawmakers of “Practicing” for Impeachment

**MANILA, PHILIPPINES** – Vice President Sara Duterte has accused lawmakers of using House hearings as a platform to practice for her eventual impeachment. Speaking after her surprise appearance at a House Committee inquiry into the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) alleged misuse of public funds, Duterte claimed that the language being used by congressmen, such as “malfeasance” and “misfeasance,” is indicative of their intentions.

“It’s very obvious that they’re practicing for what they will eventually do,” she stated, drawing a parallel to last year’s inquiry into the OVP’s use of confidential funds. “They’re already talking about my impeachment,” she added, citing conversations with lawmakers from Mindanao and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro’s recent interview where she outlined three possible grounds for Duterte’s ouster.

Despite the allegations, Duterte maintains that the OVP has committed no wrongdoing. “Whatever they do, we know for sure that we haven’t done any wrongdoing,” she asserted.

When asked about her confidence in defending against a possible impeachment case, Duterte declined to comment, stating that she would address the matter once articles of impeachment are formally filed. She also revealed that she and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her running mate during the elections, have not discussed the situation. “We will base our answer from there because we do not know yet what is final,” she concluded.

This latest development adds further tension to the already strained relationship between the executive and legislative branches of the Philippine government. The possibility of Vice President Duterte’s impeachment remains a significant political event to watch in the coming months.

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