MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte said that the impeachment complaint filed by progressive groups and endorsed by Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima and Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña is "nothing but a scrap of paper."
In a statement on Saturday, Duterte said that the filing of impeachment complaints against her is "nothing new" and was expected following her resignation from the Marcos administration,
“They did this because the President can no longer explain the decline of our country due to his neglect and vice," Duterte said, without explaining what "vice" the president had.
She said that the 19th Congress opened an “investigation in aid of legislation” not to create laws, but to do a "fishing expedition" for their planned impeachment case against her.
"They continue to raise the issue of 'Mary Grace Piattos' as an example of corruption, despite multiple investigations saying that they have not seen any direct violation on the use of my confidential funds," she said.
Duterte also said that Akbayan has no credibility to endorse and file an impeachment complaint, noting that their leader, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, has been open to her intention to run as president, which is a clear indication of a political motive.
"It is clear that Akbayan's move is just a form of harassment and an abuse of the process of impeachment," Duterte said.