FORMER Bagong Alyansa Makabayan (Bayan) chairperson and senatorial candidate Teodoro “Teddy” Casiño asserted that Vice President Sara Duterte must be held accountable despite growing support from her followers. His statement comes amid calls from Duterte’s supporters to “Protect VP Sara.”
“Sara Duterte has no right not to be held accountable, she has no right to illegally use P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence fund,” Casiño said during a press conference on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at V. Mapa in Davao City.
He criticized Duterte for allegedly threatening individuals, including government colleagues, and questioned her authority to access key budgetary information from the House of Representatives.
While acknowledging Duterte’s right to due process, Casiño said that impeachment is the proper legal avenue for addressing the allegations against her. He pointed out the contradiction in Duterte’s actions, noting that although she acknowledged impeachment as the correct forum to explain herself, she also filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging its constitutionality.
“I think Sara’s right is being respected enough in fact she has been tolerated for a long time and it’s time that she be held accountable for her wrongdoings,” he said.
Casiño acknowledged that not everyone shares his view, but he argued that the Duterte family must face the reality of accountability. He insisted that both the vice president and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, should be held responsible for their actions.
Social justice activist and former Gabriela party-list representative Liza Maza echoed Casiño’s sentiments, stating that the “Protect VP Sara” movement aims to shield Duterte from accountability over the alleged misuse of P650 million in confidential funds during her tenure as Secretary of Education.
“At gusto nilang ideflect yung panawagan ng taong bayan para sa katotohanan at katarungan dahil alam naman natin pera natin yung (They want to deflect the people’s calls for truth and justice, even though we know it’s the people’s money),” she said.
Maza said she and her fellow senatorial candidates are committed to ensuring Duterte is held accountable for public funds.
While she acknowledged the right of Duterte’s supporters to advocate for her, she underscored that discussions on impeachment are about seeking justice for the Filipino people.
Indignation rally
On the same day, Duterte’s supporters staged a rally at Roxas Freedom Park, launching the “VP Sara Coalition.”
In Mandaue City, an indignation rally against Duterte’s impeachment took place, drawing an estimated 20,000 participants.
Duterte had filed a petition with the Supreme Court on February 18, 2025, questioning the constitutionality of the impeachment complaint lodged against her by the House of Representatives.
On February 5, 2025, the last session day before Congress adjourned for a four-month break ahead of the midterm elections, the House impeached Duterte and submitted seven Articles of Impeachment to the Senate. However, the Senate adjourned without discussing the matter.
The allegations against Duterte include her alleged involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, as well as the alleged misuse of confidential funds and corruption within the Department of Education during her time as Secretary from 2022 to 2024. RGP WITH REPORTS FROM TAP
