DEPUTY Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Friday questioned Vice President Sara Duterte’s move to block an impeachment trial, saying it follows a troubling pattern of attempts to evade transparency and accountability.
“Transparency is fundamental in any democratic government. If Vice President Duterte has done nothing wrong, why is she so afraid of the truth? Blocking the impeachment process through the Supreme Court only raises more doubts,” Acidre said.
The House leader recalled that this is not the first time the Vice President has attempted to suppress scrutiny over her actions. During a congressional investigation last year, it was discovered that her office tried to prevent the Commission on Audit (COA) from releasing findings on her controversial ₱125-million confidential fund. Now, she is using the same playbook—this time against an impeachment trial.
“This pattern is alarming. First, she tried to block COA’s report. Now, she wants to stop Congress from doing its job. What exactly is she trying to hide?” Acidre asked.
The House leader stressed that impeachment is a constitutional mechanism meant to ensure accountability among high-ranking officials.
“No one is above the law—not even the Vice President. Instead of running to the courts to avoid scrutiny, she should face the process and answer the allegations fairly,” he said.
Acidre added that VP Duterte’s repeated attempts to block investigations undermine public trust in government institutions.
“The Filipino people deserve leaders who respect accountability, not those who run from it. Seeking to silence COA, and now Congress, sets a dangerous precedent. The Vice President must stop dodging the truth and start explaining herself to the public,” Acidre said
About the Author
