Photo credit: OVP

Vice President Sara Z. Duterte is speaking out—and this time, she’s calling out what she says is a misplaced focus in government.

In a statement released on March 25, Duterte highlighted what she believes are the real problems Filipinos are facing today: businesses on the brink of closure, job losses, and families struggling as prices of basic goods continue to rise.

But instead of addressing these urgent concerns, she claims the invitation for her to attend a hearing by the House Committee on Justice is being used to create a media narrative—one that paints the situation as a “mini-trial” due to her absence.

Duterte didn’t hold back, saying the hearings are turning into yet another fishing expedition against her—what she described as the third attempt—rather than focusing on solutions that matter to ordinary Filipinos.

She also clarified that there is no rule requiring a respondent to personally attend hearings related to an impeachment complaint. According to her, she has already submitted her formal response, known as an “Answer ad Cautelam,” and believes the committee should now move to dismiss the complaints due to lack of evidence.

For now, Duterte says she would rather spend her time on the ground—reaching out to communities and helping ease the financial burden many Filipino families are currently facing.