Philippines House officials question Sara Duterte’s motives and fund handling

House prosecution officials have raised concerns regarding Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent call for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to resign. Representative Zia Alonto Adiong questioned the Vice President’s motives, suggesting a conflict of interest as Duterte would be next in line for the presidency should Marcos step down.

Duterte made the call following a court appearance where she accused the President of dishonesty and abuse. While House adviser Robert Ace Barbers acknowledged her right to express her opinions, the prosecution team is also focusing on her handling of confidential funds.

Barbers stated that evidence from the impeachment trial suggests a recurring pattern in how confidential funds were managed across different offices, including her tenure as Davao City mayor, the Office of the Vice President, and the Department of Education. The prosecution noted that several personnel involved in these offices previously worked with Duterte in Davao City, though Barbers clarified that the Davao connection is a starting point for investigation rather than a final judgment on specific individuals.