Sara Duterte Defends Family Privacy Amid Impeachment Proceedings

Key facts

• Vice President Sara Duterte is facing impeachment proceedings.
• Impeachment complaints against Duterte involve allegations of misconduct and misuse of confidential funds.
• Her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, has been mentioned in relation to financial records.
• Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV alleged distribution of funds among the Duterte family.
• Duterte is currently in The Hague, Netherlands.
• She is visiting her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is under detention at the International Criminal Court.
• Duterte stated she has not informed her father about the impeachment proceedings.

Family Privacy Amidst Political Storm

Vice President Sara Duterte has voiced strong objections to the inclusion of her family members in the impeachment proceedings targeting her office. Speaking from The Hague on May 5, 2026 (Philippine time), Duterte asserted that her relatives, including her husband Manases Carpio, are private citizens and should not be drawn into political controversies. "It is unfair because they are not the Vice President and they are not the ones being impeached," Duterte stated, drawing a parallel to the families of congressmen who also retain their rights as private individuals. The Vice President emphasized that the focus of impeachment should remain strictly on public officials directly involved in the case. Her comments come as impeachment complaints against her gain traction, fueled by allegations of misconduct and questions surrounding the use of confidential funds within the Office of the Vice President. The controversy has seen her husband's name surface in connection with financial records discussed during congressional hearings.

Allegations and Financial Scrutiny

The impeachment complaints against Vice President Duterte are rooted in various allegations concerning her conduct in office. A significant point of contention involves the disbursement of confidential funds, a matter that has drawn considerable public and legislative scrutiny. During discussions in the House of Representatives, bank transaction documents reportedly involving Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio, were brought to light. These revelations prompted Carpio to file complaints alleging violations of the Bank Secrecy Law, underscoring the sensitive nature of the financial information being examined. Further complicating the situation, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV has alleged that approximately ₱181 million, purportedly from an individual identified as a drug lord named Sammy Uy, was distributed among members of the Duterte family. These assertions add another layer of complexity to the ongoing impeachment efforts.

A Father's Burden Avoided

In a notable departure from informing her family of political developments, Vice President Duterte revealed she has deliberately chosen not to discuss the impeachment proceedings with her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte. She is currently in The Hague, Netherlands, visiting the 81-year-old former leader who remains under detention at the International Criminal Court. "I did not mention the impeachment or what happened in the House of Representatives to him," Duterte explained, citing a desire not to burden him with "bad news." She believes that imparting such information could cause unnecessary stress and lead the former president, who is in detention, to "overthink" the situation. Duterte expressed concern for her father's well-being, stating that he should focus on positive thoughts rather than the pressures of political turmoil. She voiced fears that his health could deteriorate while in custody, adding a somber personal dimension to the political drama.

The Hague Visit and Political Climate

The Vice President's visit to The Hague is primarily to see her father, who is facing charges before the International Criminal Court related to his administration's war on drugs. Despite the gravity of the impeachment proceedings back home, Duterte stated that her conversations with the former president have largely revolved around politics, with approximately 95% of their discussions focused on the nation's political landscape. She described her father as being "okay" and "very chatty" during their recent interactions. This suggests that while she shields him from the specifics of her impeachment, the broader political environment remains a topic of mutual interest. Duterte herself has announced plans to run for president in the 2028 elections, indicating that the political climate in the Philippines is already heating up in anticipation of the next electoral cycle. Her current international visit and the ongoing domestic political challenges are unfolding against this backdrop of future presidential ambitions.

The bottom line

• Vice President Sara Duterte is facing impeachment complaints related to her conduct and the use of confidential funds.
• Duterte argues that her family members, including her husband, are private citizens and should not be involved in her impeachment proceedings.
• Allegations have surfaced regarding financial transactions and the distribution of funds among the Duterte family.
• Duterte has chosen not to inform her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, about the impeachment efforts against her.
• The Vice President is currently in The Hague, Netherlands, visiting her father, who is detained by the International Criminal Court.
• Duterte has declared her intention to run for president in the 2028 elections.