Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union said Monday that Vice President Sara Duterte’s reported plans to run for president in 2028 would not affect him, dismissing speculation that the announcement could intimidate House members.

“As far as I know, that may be their tactic or strategy. But I can only speak for myself — it has no effect on me that she declared her intention to run for president. Anyone can do that,” Ortega said.

Ortega said the impeachment issue against the Vice President should be viewed primarily as a matter of public accountability, emphasizing that lawmakers must answer to the people who elected them.

“Lawmakers should be wary of the people because there are still many unanswered questions and allegations. All public servants should fear the people. We have duties and obligations to answer to them — that is what we should be afraid of,” he said.

He stressed that political survival should never outweigh constitutional duty.

“We are all political animals at the end of the day. But they should look at the merits of the impeachment articles, scrutinize them, study them carefully, and look back at past Congresses. At the end of the day, our boss is the people — not the politicians standing or aspiring to stand there. We serve the people. That is the simplest and most correct thing to do,” Ortega said.

He added that lawmakers derive their mandate directly from their constituents.

“We get our mandate from our districts, from the people, and I don’t think it’s difficult to make a decision when it comes to that,” Ortega said.