MANILA— Vice President Sara Duterte issued a statement rejecting renewed allegations linked to former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, saying the claims have remained unchanged for nearly a decade and are being driven by what she described as coordinated political support.

In her statement, Duterte said:

“For nearly a decade, Mr. Antonio Trillanes IV has been peddling the same incredible story about alleged billions in bank accounts. From 2016 to 2026, nothing in his narrative has changed. What has changed, however, is the machinery now backing him.”

She alleged that the former senator is now supported by various institutions and officials, including the executive, legislative, and oversight bodies, which she said have been used for political attacks.

“Today, he is backed by a sitting President who must be compelled to submit to a simple drug test; “law-bender” members of the House of Representatives that have received “maletas” and have repeatedly disregarded constitutional limits; a Commission on Audit that appears to time its issuances in a manner that conveniently aligns with political attacks; and newly-installed AMLC officials who remain silent and refuse to clarify that there have been no findings of violations of anti-money laundering laws, and the billions of peso in bank accounts are untrue.”

Duterte also said the timing of the accusations against her is not coincidental, linking them to her departure from government service and her refusal to support a national budget proposal.

“Hindi rin maikakaila ang timing ng lahat ng ito. Ang sunod-sunod na alegasyon at kaso laban sa akin ay nagsimula matapos akong umalis sa Gabinete, sa panahong tumanggi akong pumirma sa isang pambansang budget na hindi ko kayang ipagtanggol sa taumbayan.”

She maintained that she has not engaged in any wrongdoing and defended her financial records and public service background.

“Simple lang ang sagot ko sa lahat ng paninira. Malinis ang aking service record; hindi ako kailanman nagkaroon ng kaso sa paggamit ng pondo ng bayan. Lahat ng aking ari-arian at pera ay idineklara ko sa aking SALN. Ang bawat sentimo ay mula sa lehitimong pinanggalingan at may kaukulang dokumento.”

Duterte also accused unnamed individuals of corruption, saying:

“Ang mga totoong magnanakaw, hindi sa bangko pinapasok ang pera—kundi sa maleta.”

She further questioned the government’s response to issues such as flood control spending, inflation, poverty, peace efforts in Mindanao, foreign policy, and crime.

Duterte ended her statement by warning against what she called political distractions, saying:

“Huwag kayong magpalinlang sa ingay ng impeachment na ito. Dahil ang tunay na laban ay para sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipinong dumadanas at dumaraan sa tuminding hamon ng buhay araw-araw.”

She signed off her statement with:

“Shukran.”