Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday said senator-judges should not be disqualified from participating in her impeachment trial solely based on political bias or perceived allegiances.

Speaking to reporters during a press briefing in Davao City, Duterte dismissed calls for the inhibition of senators she endorsed during the 2025 midterm elections, saying such a move would be unfair and legally unfounded.

“We cannot ask senators to inhibit just because they are for or against Inday Sara,” Duterte said in a mix of Filipino and English. “If that is the basis for inhibition, then those who are biased against me — like Senator Risa Hontiveros — should also be disqualified.”

Duterte argued that all senator-judges, regardless of whether they had expressed support or opposition to her, should be presumed capable of impartiality.

“If we disqualify based on bias, then many senators would have to inhibit, whether for or against me,” she said. “Let’s give our senator-judges the benefit of the doubt that they will do their job fairly and in accordance with their oath.”

The Vice President added that she had yet to review the summons issued by the Senate impeachment court and was still waiting for advice from her legal team regarding any appearance she may need to make.

“I haven’t read the summons. It’s with my lawyers, and they will decide what actions to take,” Duterte said.

On 5 February, the House of Representatives impeached Duterte, with 215 lawmakers voting to adopt the articles of impeachment against her. She is accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

The charges stem primarily from the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, both of which she concurrently led during the time in question.