Vice President Sara Duterte claimed Thursday that the impeachment case filed against her and the potential arrest of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, by the International Criminal Court are “politically-motivated” and linked to the 2028 national elections.

In an interview with Russian media — the transcript of which was released by her office — Duterte said she believes political opponents are trying to eliminate her as the frontrunner in the 2028 presidential race. She asserted that the impeachment process is designed to block her potential candidacy.

“It’s all about the refusal or the intent of President Marcos not to step down. He wants to perpetuate himself or his family in power. It is clear from the moves of his administration against political opponents,” Duterte said.

“And in fact, one of his relatives, and this is a personal knowledge of mine, has expressed that he wants to run for president,” she added.

Duterte attributed the current situation to the failed “People’s Initiative,” which she said aimed to amend the constitution to shift to a parliamentary system where the prime minister is not popularly elected.

“When they failed in this, they started the impeachment,” said the Vice President. “And clearly, evidence shows that the members of the House of Representatives, many of them who signed, did not read the articles of impeachment.”

Duterte also alleged that a House member publicly stated money was exchanged for signatures on the impeachment articles.

“Because I am the frontrunner in the presidential race in 2028, the survey shows that. And I think they want to eliminate the frontrunner,” Duterte said.

When asked about a connection between her father’s potential detention and her impeachment, Duterte responded, “I believe so, yes. They think that if they take out a former President Duterte, they will weaken me because it’s one brand, it’s one family.”

The Vice President also said that she has not yet decided on a 2028 presidential bid, saying supporters have given her a deadline of the fourth quarter of 2026 for a decision and reiterated that she holds no personal grudge against President Marcos but remains critical of his performance.

“I have no ill feelings toward him with regard to the political persecution I am receiving from the administration. That is part of a politician’s life,” she said. “But I have problems with his performance as president and the violations of our fundamental law — particularly the rendition of former President Rodrigo Duterte. That was an affront to Philippine sovereignty.”

Duterte, who was President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s running mate in the “Uniteam” alliance, also accused the president of issuing “conflicting statements” and failing to deliver on campaign promises.

Malacañang, through Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro, dismissed Duterte’s accusations as a “diversionary tactic.”

“Perhaps that is the narrative she wants to portray to the people, but the issue regarding her accountability for the confidential funds and various other complaints contained in the Articles of Impeachment are being lost,” Castro said.

She stressed the public’s desire for truth and not just a narrative focused on Duterte’s standing as a 2028 frontrunner.