MANILA — Akbayan Party, together with progressive coalition Tindig Pilipinas, on Monday filed a letter before the Office of the Ombudsman urging it to take immediate action on Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds and supposed abuse of power.
“Nananawagan po kami sa Ombudsman na seryosohin po yung mga kaso laban kay VP Sara Duterte, imbestigahan yung articles of impeachment dahil hindi nga naganap yung inaasahan nating trial sa Senado,” Tindig Pilipinas convenor Francis “Kiko” Aquino Dee said.
The Supreme Court earlier barred any further impeachment proceedings against Duterte, citing the one-year rule under the Constitution that prohibits the filing of a new impeachment complaint within a year of the previous one.
The high court said any subsequent impeachment complaint may only be filed starting February 6, 2026.
Dee said that while waiting for this period, he hopes an investigation could still push through and that those responsible would be held accountable.
“Your Office must make a firm stand against this display of impunity by a person who already has a track record of abuse of power,” the letter read.
“We cannot forget how Vice President Sara Duterte has already previously assaulted a court sheriff who was enforcing a court order, but she was able to get away from any form of accountability,” it added.
OMBUDSMAN TO REVIEW
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a press briefing that he will review the letter submitted to his office.
When asked if Duterte could face charges, Remulla explained that impeachable officials may still be held liable for criminal cases but cannot be removed from office by the Ombudsman.
“Ang impeachable officer pwede maharap sa kaso kaya lang wala sa poder o walang kapangyarihan ang Ombudsman na paalisin sila sa opisina,” Remulla said.
Under the Constitution, only Congress, through the process of impeachment, can remove a sitting Vice President from office.