Sara resignation call not self-serving, VP can lead corruption fight — Panelo

Vice President Sara Duterte’s call for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to resign is not self-serving because she was elected as the country’s second-highest official and is constitutionally next in line to the presidency, her spokesperson Atty. Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr. said Tuesday.

House impeachment prosecutor Rep. Terry Ridon earlier described the vice president’s demand as “self-serving,” arguing that Duterte herself would succeed Marcos if he stepped down. But Panelo rejected the criticism, saying Duterte’s position was based on what she believed was best for the country.

“Hindi naman ito self-serving or may conflict of interest kasi siya ang hinalal bilang ikalawang pangulo. Siya talaga ang binoto ng tao para pumalit sa pangulo kung magre-resign man siya,” Panelo said in a radio interview.

Duterte renewed her call for Marcos to resign during a rally in Quezon City following her postponed arraignment on grave threats charges, accusing the administration of corruption, abuse and political harassment.

Panelo said Duterte believes she has the capacity to lead the country, pointing to her experience as former Davao City mayor and her decision to seek the presidency in 2028.

“Naniniwala siya sa kakayahan niya na baguhin ang sistema o kalakaran ng gobyerno,” he said.

“Ang pinaka-importante, pinaka-basic is mawala yung ganitong klaseng massive corruption sa bansa. Yun kasi ang nagiging pangunahing sanhi ng lahat ng problema natin — yung corruption,” Panelo added.

Flood-control controversy, corruption allegations

Panelo linked Duterte’s resignation call to the administration’s handling of corruption allegations, particularly the controversy surrounding flood-control projects.

Duterte has repeatedly questioned government officials over the approval and implementation of flood-control projects amid investigations into alleged irregularities. She has cited former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and businessman Zaldy Co in her criticisms of the government’s budget process.

Panelo said Duterte had raised concerns about the influence of Romualdez and Co over the national budget even before the controversy intensified.

“Si Vice President Sara ang actually kauna-unahang nag-call out kay Martin Romualdez at Zaldy Co bilang nagko-control ng budget ng Pilipinas,” he said.

He added that Duterte’s political break with Marcos began after she refused to participate in what he described as improper practices within government.

“Yung mga kasong kinakaharap ni VP Sara, yun po ang dahilan. Dahil hindi po siya nakikisama sa kalakaran at pinili niyang tumindig sa tama,” Panelo said.

Impeachment trial

Panelo also pushed back against comparisons between Duterte’s accusations against Marcos and the impeachment proceedings she is facing before the Senate.

Duterte is undergoing impeachment proceedings over allegations involving her use of confidential funds during her tenure as vice president and education secretary, as well as accusations of unexplained wealth — allegations she has denied. She also faces a separate criminal case involving grave threats, where a Quezon City court found probable cause to proceed with trial.

Marcos, meanwhile, had also faced impeachment complaints before the House of Representatives. The complaints accused him of alleged betrayal of public trust, corruption, constitutional violations and abuse of authority, including issues linked to the flood-control controversy and other government actions.

The House justice panel later ruled that the complaints lacked sufficient basis, and the chamber voted to dismiss the cases.

Panelo argued that Duterte’s impeachment was a consequence of her refusal to align herself with what he described as questionable practices within the administration.

He claimed the political rift between Marcos and Duterte began after the vice president opposed certain figures in government, particularly in relation to budget allocations and corruption allegations.

“Doon po nagsimula yung awayan o pagkawasak ng Unity,” Panelo said, referring to the collapse of the Marcos-Duterte alliance that brought them to power in the 2022 elections.

“Yung mga kasong kinakaharap ni VP Sara, eh yun po ang dahilan. Dahil hindi po siya nakikisama sa kalakaran at pinili niyang tumindig sa tama,” he added.

Security concerns

Panelo also defended Duterte’s claims that she and her family have faced security threats since 2024, saying he could not disclose details because the matter overlaps with the impeachment proceedings and the grave threats case.

He cited Duterte’s previously released exchange of messages with former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. as part of her evidence.

According to Panelo, Duterte raised concerns after receiving information about possible moves involving an International Criminal Court warrant against her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and asked that her children and mother be protected.

“Kung may gagawin kayo sa akin, kung ano man ’yan, just make sure na malayo ako sa mga anak ko at sa nanay ko. Huwag n’yong idadamay yung anak ko at saka yung nanay ko sa gulo,” Panelo said, quoting Duterte’s message.

Malacañang has disputed Duterte’s claims, saying government security agencies had no records of threats against her and calling on her to provide evidence.

Panelo said Duterte may feel safer when she is publicly visible because any threat would be witnessed by the public.

“Mas maganda na palaging kasama niya yung taong bayan dahil kapag nasa harap siya ng taong bayan, kapag in public view siya, napipikturan, nabe-video, malamang walang gagawing masama sa kanya dahil makikita ng tao,” he said.