From being the star of internet memes to being the subject of impeachment cases, and the collapse of the UniTeam, it seems that 2024 was a tough one for Vice President (VP) Sara Duterte.
While the VP vowed to fight back at the looming possibility of her impeachment, it was back in 2023 when her relationship with the Marcos administration began to move downhill. In June this year, Duterte resigned from their position as the Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), and as the Vice Chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Despite mentioning that her work and personal relationship with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are on “good terms,” supporters can’t help but wonder where it all began.
Will next year take a hopeful turn for the VP, or will organizations who are pushing for her impeachment emerge victorious? However, impeachment is just one of the many obstacles that Duterte will be facing after the New Year.
To understand her case better, we are rewinding 2024 to take a closer look at where the cracks began to show in the political rift between her and her political allies.
The First Crack
A month before 2024, House Speaker Martin Romualdez mentioned in an exclusive interview with DZRH’s Dos Por Dos that any impeachment complaint against the VP would undergo processes. ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro and the Makabayan Bloc had been demanding that Duterte explain how the PHP 125 million confidential funds were spent, since November 2023.
Following the same news, President Marcos then shrugged off the organization’s move to impeach Duterte, stating that the latter "does not deserve to be impeached."
It was also in early 2024 when the rift between the Dutertes and Marcoses began to ensue. Former President Rodrigo Duterte accused Marcos of being a drug addict, as per PDEA’s alleged watch list. Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte also urged the President to resign from his position. This was later shrugged off by VP Duterte, stating that it came from a place of “brotherly love.”
Oplan Tokhang in Davao
An ex-Davao City cop who claimed to be part of the Davao Death Squad (DDS), said that VP Duterte was responsible for the Oplan Tokhang during her term as Mayor of the city in 2012. According to Arturo Lascañas, the Oplan Tokhang was formed by the VP alongside Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa, who was appointed as the Chief of Davao City police in 2012.
The VP later on addressed the issue through a video message, denying the accusations against her. The former claimed that her name was being dragged around so that she would be implicated in the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into the extrajudicial killings linked to her father.
Subsequently, Sen. Dela Rosa came to the VP’s defense, promising to cut off his head if the accuser could back up his statements.
“We are okay”
Despite the clashes between their relatives, VP Duterte and President Marcos assured that they are on “good terms.”
Duterte also thanked Marcos for his continued trust and respect for her as the DepEd Secretary.
The "intense, daring, and desperate" Smear Campaign
Amid the issues surrounding the VP in early 2024, she clapped back at the public and considered it an "intense, daring, and desperate" smear campaign.
She was also entangled with the controversial Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, with information circulating that she and her father were given bags containing guns to “Glory Mountain.” However, the VP dismissed the allegations and vowed to focus on performing her tasks as a politician.
Consequently, the VP expressed support for Quiboloy, adding that the latter deserves to be given a fair trial in court. VP Sara and ex-President Duterte were also spotted at the “Laban Kasama Ang Bayan Bayan” prayer rally for Quiboloy.
“Bangag” incident
During the prayer rally, former President Duterte accused Marcos of being a drug addict, calling him “bangag” or high on drugs. This led to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos admitting that she got hurt after seeing VP Duterte laughing at the remark. In a one-on-one interview with DZRH anchor Anthony Tarberna, the first lady vented her ill feelings towards VP Sara.
The VP then acknowledged the First Lady’s sentiments. In a Facebook video, she mentioned that she would be talking to the President in private. She also clarified that Araneta-Marcos’ ill feelings were unrelated to her mandate as a public official.
Marcos seconded the VP’s statement, stating that he saw no reason to remove the latter from the Cabinet.
Duterte Resigns as DepEd Secretary
In June 2024, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced that VP Duterte tendered her resignation to Malacañang, without disclosing the reason behind her abrupt exit as Education Secretary and NTF-ELCAC Vice Chairperson.
As the “designated survivor”
After weeks of speculation, VP Duterte confirmed that she will be skipping the President’s third State of the Nation (SONA) address. In an ambush interview in Davao City, she said that she is appointing herself as the “designated survivor.”
Consequently, Manila Third District Representative Joel Chua slammed the VP’s joke, stating that it was “not in good taste.”
On a Flight Bound for Germany Amid Typhoon Carina
Following her absence at the President’s third SONA, witnesses spotted VP Duterte at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, heading to a flight bound for Germany with her family and mother.
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) later confirmed that the Vice President was on a personal trip with her family overseas, calling its timing as unfortunate as it coincided with the typhoon.
“Isang Kaibigan”
During the Senate Committee on Finance’s hearing in August, Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned the OVP’s programs that seem to overlap with other government agencies’ functions. One of the highlights from the hearing was a book authored by the VP for young learners, “Isang Kaibigan.”
What seemed to be a genuine question turned into a heated argument on its contents, with Duterte accusing Hontiveros of “politicizing the budget hearing.”
Allegations of plagiarism followed as the public got hold of a piece from the book, citing the children’s story “Owly: The Way Home” by Andy Runton. However, Duterte asserted that she does not need to copy from others, since the story came from her personal experiences.
The OVP House Hearing
During the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations hearing on the OVP’s 2025 budget, lawmakers debated Duterte’s refusal to defend her office’s proposed budget. According to Castro, the questioning of the OVP’s proposed budget was not meant to intimidate Duterte. Rather, it’s a way for the public to know about how the office’s confidential funds were spent.
Meanwhile, Duterte skipped the House hearing again in September. She opted to submit a letter to House Speaker Martin Romualdez, reiterating that she will be leaving it up to the House to finalize her office’s budget.
“Bratinella” Accusations
In a video interview, Duterte claimed that House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Elizaldy Co and Romualdez are controlling the national budget. Moreover, she also denied the “bratinella” claims, adding that she is accustomed to answering questions, whether it be planned or through ambush interviews.
In-Between Politics and Personal Matters
During the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability’s deliberation in September, Duterte claimed that the inquiry was a well-funded and coordinated political attack aimed at discrediting her name and office.
Additionally, she also disclosed that she and Marcos are not friends. According to Duterte, she and Marcos only spoke during the campaign and for work-related matters.
Meanwhile, Duterte visited former Vice President Leni Robredo during her trip to Naga City. The former confirmed that the visit was casual and unplanned.
A String of Absences at House Hearings
Amid the House of Representatives plenary deliberations on the OVP 2025 budget, rumors about Duterte visiting Calaguas Island Resort in Vinzons, Camarines Norte surfaced. Photos from the VP’s trip showed her with officials from Barangays Bonocboc and Mangkawayan in the area.
Following that incident, House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan questioned where the Vice President was. He furthered by saying Duterte needed a valid reason for skipping the budget hearings.
In a press conference, Solons emphasized that Duterte’s repeated absences are a betrayal of public trust and constitutional duty in the budget process. Moreover, they slammed the VP’s recent visit to Calaguas Island and vented their frustrations on the VP’s repeated nonattendance.
In a letter addressed to the Committee Chairperson Joel Chua, Duterte claimed that the inquiry is based on “unsubstantiated allegations” from a lawmaker’s privileged speech.
She also called on lawmakers to refrain from using unreliable witnesses to undermine her character. Despite all the controversies surrounding her, the VP assured that she would not resign from her position.
Exhumation, Beheading, and the “Road to Hell”
In a press conference, Duterte confessed that she threatened to exhume the late President Marcos Sr.'s remains in a group chat with Senator Imee Marcos. She also admitted to having thoughts of beheading the President, after he humiliated a graduate who asked for his watch as a graduation gift.
Duterte considers that moment as the time she realized that her relationship with Marcos had become toxic. She also mentioned that Marcos is not equipped with enough knowledge to serve as the nation’s President, mentioning that the country is on the “road to hell.”
Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos responded to the VP’s statement, hoping that the latter find the peace of mind and mental clarity that seems to be eluding her.
After expressing her eagerness to undergo a neuropsychiatric exam, Duterte dared lawmakers to take the exams and drug tests as well.
Meanwhile, Marcos refused to comment on Duterte’s remarks regarding his late father.
Efforts to Question OVP Execs
In early November, the House officials pushed for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue a lookout bulletin order against the six OVP officers who were subpoenaed due to their repeated absences.
Lawyer Michael Poa also confirmed during the House hearing, that he is no longer connected to the OVP.
Meanwhile, the OVP confirmed that their Chief-of-Staff Zuleika Lopez left the country for personal travel, amid the ongoing hearings by the Committee. Following the incident, the DOJ issued a lookout bulletin against seven OVP officials, as per House Committee Chairman Joel Chua’s request letter.
Soon after, four OVP officials were cited in contempt for their failure to attend the panel inquiry. Consequently, lawmakers urged Lopez to attend their hearings, so that they may be given clarity on the matter.
The House panel granted furlough to the four OVP officials who were cited in contempt on November 26.
Mary Grace Piattos and other Fictitious Signatories
The name “Mary Grace Piattos” had the country talking, when lawmakers found it as a signatory in the OVP’s receipts. Due to the peculiarity of the name, Solons put up a one million pesos bounty for anyone who can identify the person behind the name.
Apart from Mary Grace Piattos, a lawmaker also alleged irregularities in the OVP’s acknowledgment receipts.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) later confirmed that Mary Grace Piattos had no records of birth, marriage, or death in their Civil Registry System (CRS) database. On the same day, lawmakers mentioned the possibility that other signatories from the agencies’ receipts might also be spurious.
PSA also confirmed that 405 out of the 677 recipients in the OVP and DepEd’s acknowledgment receipts are non-existent. Subsequently, 1,322 OVP confidential fund recipients were also confirmed to have no birth records in the PSA’s database.
Zuleika Lopez
Lopez attended the House inquiry in mid-November and was cited in contempt for “undue interference.” Chua assured that while Lopez is detained at the House facility, there will be no favors given to the latter. He also confirmed that Duterte visited Lopez at the detention facility, and requested that she stay with the latter.
It was there when Duterte and Lopez conducted an online press conference, after the House issued a standing order to Lopez, ordering her transfer to the Women’s Correctional Facility in Mandaluyong City. Moments later, the OVP exec suffered an anxiety attack and was rushed to the hospital.
Duterte took over the press conference and made shocking remarks about plotting to kill the President, the First Lady, and the House Speaker. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) later confirmed that the video clip online is authentic.
In the succeeding hearings, Lopez was absent due to Acute Stress Disorder, prompting House leaders to extend her detention order for five more days.
After her 10-day detention, the House ordered Lopez’ immediate release from detention.
SDOs Turning Over the Confidential Funds to Security
OVP Special Disbursing Officer (SDO) Gina Acosta admitted to releasing PHP 125 million in confidential funds of the office and DepEd to Duterte’s head security officer.
The revelation was made after she confessed to disbursing the same amount through the disbursement voucher signed under her name.
DepEd
As the House inquiry on the OVP and DepEd’s confidential funds continued, the latter’s Chief Accountant Rhunna Catalan admitted to signing liquidation vouchers worth PHP 112.5 million. Moreover, she also confessed to receiving a cash allowance from Duterte during her tenure as Secretary.
The Young Guns of the House of Representatives mentioned that liabilities faced by the OVP and DepEd SDOs may vary, depending on their intended use.
Threats to National Security
Following the threats made towards the three figures, the National Security Commission (NSC) criticized Duterte, citing concerns about national security. (https://dzrh.com.ph/post/vp-sara-slams-nsc-statement). Consequently, former Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) President Atty. Domingo Cayosa mentioned that Duterte may face charges over her remarks toward the three figures.
Amid the political turmoil, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) - Philippines called on Congress to support the impeachment efforts against Duterte.
Consequently, President Marcos slammed the VP’s statement, stating that it was a “reckless blow of profanity.”
The DOJ also called on the NBI to launch an investigation into the threats made, including the issuance of a subpoena. (https://dzrh.com.ph/post/doj-backs-nbi-in-serving-subpoena-on-vp-sara). This effort prompted the VP to state in response to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin’s statement, condemning her remark as an “active threat.”
Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation, Secretary Larry Gadon filed a disbarment case against Duterte at the Supreme Court.
The House Blue Ribbon Committee also delayed its hearing last November to give way for a Congress session. In his speech, House Speaker Romualdez blasted Duterte’s “unfounded accusations” towards government officials. He affirmed that they are choosing unity over division, and assured that they will not waver in their commitment to transparency, accountability, and service.
The DOJ’s Probe on VP Sara’s Threats
The DOJ also weighed in on the Vice President’s statements as they announced the possible violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres highlighted that Duterte’s remarks may have violated Section 4 of the ATA, as her remarks intended to cause death, serious bodily injury, or endanger someone’s life.
Despite this, Duterte was not in attendance during the NBI’s inquiry, citing the House of Representatives hearing on the same day. However, the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability Chairman Joel Chua clarified that they postponed the hearing to give way for the NBI’s probe.
Due to this, Duterte asked that the hearing be rescheduled and moved to a later date.
Amid the political turmoil surrounding the rift between Marcoses and Dutertes, the Philippine National Police (PNP) highlighted that the cases filed against the Vice President are not politically motivated, but rather a reflection of their duty to uphold fairness in the eyes of the law.
Along with the rift, impeachment complaints against Duterte are brought up. President Marcos, however, opposed the idea, urging Congressional leaders to prevent such cases from ensuing. Despite this, lawmakers stated they must accept any impeachment complaints filed against the VP.
Impeachment Raps
Before organizations and other Congressional leaders filed an impeachment case against Duterte, she mentioned that the 2022 presidency was supposed to be hers, but gave it away because she felt like there were other things she could do besides being president.
At the beginning of December, the first impeachment case against Duterte was filed by advocacy groups, citing anomalies within the DepEd and OVP. Following the first impeachment raps, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero called on senators to refrain from making public comments or statements regarding the filed cases against Duterte.
A second impeachment complaint was filed by the Makabayan Bloc the following week. The House of Representatives formally accepted the second complaint the same afternoon.
Forgiveness and the 106 Signatures
As Christmas approached, Duterte found time to clap back at her political opponents, maintaining that she would not forgive them.
For the VP’s impeachment case to move forward, 106 signatures from Congress are needed. Aside from that, the Ombudsman also remarked that Duterte needs to explain the use of “fictitious names” in the acknowledgment receipts of both agencies.
Meanwhile, a third impeachment case was being eyed by some lawmakers, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said. Lawmakers also barred potential offenses that the OVP and DepEd officials may face due to the misuse of confidential funds.
Duterte made headlines when she welcomed the impeachment cases against her. This was followed by the former announcing that she would not attend the NBI’s scheduled inquiry, as she will be hosting a Thanksgiving party for reporters covering the OVP instead.
With thoughts about compromising her security, the PNP clarified that the VP’s plan to hire private security is permitted by law.
Subsequently, a third impeachment case was officially filed on December 19 by religious groups and lawyers.
In Her Defense
Duterte asserted that she did not violate any laws after filing three impeachment cases against her. According to the former, she is ready to face all the complaints. Her father and former President Duterte will serve as her lawyer.
The announcement prompted lawmakers from the Makabayan Bloc to slam Duterte's' team-up, as it was dubbed as a “desperate political maneuver.”
