Vice President Sara Duterte called on government officials to set aside politics and focus on maintaining peace and order and advancing the country's development.

Duterte made the remarks during an ambush interview on Wednesday, 8 July, while attending the 18th Araw ng Bigaan and the 65th Patronal Fiesta in honor of the Mother of Perpetual Help in Barangay Bigaan, Hinatuan.

"Unang-una ipinapaabot ko sa ating mga opisyal ng pamahalaan na itigil na muna natin ang pamumulitika at pananawagan nila ng transparency at accountability pero ang totoong pakay nila ay ang kanilang sariling political interest," Duterte said.

She also urged government officials to concentrate on improving the lives of Filipinos.

"Pangalawa, sa ating mga opisyal pa rin ng pamahalaan na tutukan natin ang kaayusan, kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng ating bayan. Matagal na nag-aantay ang ating mga kababayan na mas maging maayos 'yung kanilang buhay," she said.

The Vice President likewise appealed to Filipinos not to lose hope that the country can still change.

"At sa ating mga kababayan 'wag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa na merong mangyayaring pagbabago sa ating bayan at 'wag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa sa kakayahan natin na maging isang mayaman na bansa," Duterte said.

Duterte is currently facing an impeachment trial over allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust and other high crimes. She has denied the accusations.