Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte said he believes the impeachment campaign against Vice President Sara Duterte is intended to prevent her from running for president in the 2028 national elections rather than to establish accountability.
In an interview conducted in The Hague, Netherlands, Mayor Duterte said he has not closely followed the impeachment proceedings since they began on Monday.
Despite not monitoring the proceedings in detail, Duterte reiterated his belief that the impeachment effort is politically motivated.
He said discussions about impeaching the vice president began during the early part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. According to Duterte, those discussions intensified after his sister completely left the administration.
Mayor Duterte also claimed that the impeachment campaign is connected to efforts by those currently in power to maintain their positions.
He further alleged that the campaign serves interests beyond accountability and is intended to protect those in authority while diverting attention from alleged irregularities involving public funds.
Duterte did not cite specific evidence to support his claims during the interview.
The mayor made the remarks while in The Hague, where he was interviewed regarding current political developments in the Philippines.
The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte formally began on Monday. However, Duterte said he had not closely monitored the developments since the proceedings started.
His statements reflect his personal views on the ongoing impeachment campaign and its political implications, particularly in relation to the 2028 presidential election.
Mayor Duterte maintained that he believes the impeachment effort is aimed at preventing the vice president from seeking the country’s highest office rather than determining accountability through the constitutional process.
The interview focused on his assessment of the impeachment campaign and his opinion on the political environment surrounding Vice President Sara Duterte.
