Lawmakers pushing for impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte clarified that any move to file such cases would not be related to the national budget, according to statements made during a press briefing at the House of Representatives.

House Assistant Majority Leader Ridon said that potential impeachment efforts would instead focus on accountability issues raised in previous complaints, particularly those involving the alleged use of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education.

Ridon emphasized that budget deliberations are a separate legislative process and should not be used as leverage or incentive in impeachment proceedings. He added that lawmakers are free to file complaints once the constitutional one-year ban expires, regardless of ongoing budget discussions.

The clarification came amid claims from Duterte and her allies that the proposed 2026 national budget could be weaponized to justify a renewed impeachment push. According to Ridon, impeachment cases must stand on their own merits and be grounded in verified facts, not in promises, projects, or appropriations.

ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio echoed this position, saying that while budget politics remain a reality in Congress, impeachment proceedings are governed by constitutional standards and evidentiary requirements.

Both lawmakers noted that the Supreme Court’s pending decision on motions for reconsideration related to earlier impeachment cases remains a key factor in determining the next legal steps. Until such issues are resolved, any new complaint would still be subject to constitutional scrutiny.

Vice President Duterte was impeached by the House in early 2025, but the Supreme Court later ruled the Articles of Impeachment unconstitutional for violating the one-year rule. The House has since filed a motion for reconsideration, which remains unresolved.