MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte said she is unbothered by the possibility of being removed from office amid ongoing impeachment efforts, telling supporters in the Netherlands that she can still serve Filipinos even outside government.

In a report, it said that speaking before members of the Filipino community, Duterte said she never sought the presidency and is prepared whether she remains in office or not.

“Kung manatili akong Vice President, well and good… Kung hindi man din ako maging Vice President, okay lang din sa akin (If I remain Vice President, well and good… If I will no longer be a Vice President, that is also okay with me),” she said, adding that she could continue helping people in another capacity.

She said she previously stepped away from politics after serving as Davao City mayor and continued public service through legal work.

“Hindi ako gigil ba doon sa posisyon kasi, kahit anong posisyon naman kung gusto mo talagang tumulong sa mga tao pwede naman ‘yun (I am not obsessed with the position because regardless of the position, if you truly want to help people, you can do so),” Duterte said.

The Vice President made the remarks as the House of Representatives continues to tackle impeachment complaints filed against her. She questioned whether the proceedings were about accountability or political removal.

“Is this accountability or is this about removing a person who doesn’t agree with the administration?” she said.

Duterte also dismissed claims that lawmakers were pursuing impeachment out of fear she would engage in political retaliation, saying she is not vindictive.

“Hindi ako kilalang tao na… vindictive (I am not known as a vindictive person),” she said, adding that she has never been known for political revenge even during past rivalries in Davao City.

She further said the impeachment complaints lack evidence and are based on unsubstantiated allegations.

Criticism of government priorities

A major portion of her remarks focused on what she described as misplaced government priorities amid rising prices and economic hardship.

Addressing overseas Filipino workers, Duterte said government leaders should prioritize the daily needs of poor families.

“Dapat nauuna ngayon ang isipin ng pamahalaan ay paano ‘yung pambili ng pagkain araw-araw ng mga pamilya na naghihirap (The government should first think about how struggling families can afford food every day),” she said.

She described the situation of families living on daily income.

“Kung may kita sila ngayon, may pagkain. Kung walang kita ngayon, walang pagkain (If they earn today, they eat. If they do not earn today, they do not eat),” Duterte said.

She also questioned alleged spending linked to political efforts against her, saying funds should instead be used to address inflation and poverty. However, she cautioned against relying solely on government aid.

“Hindi naman dapat kasi talaga solusyon sa problema ng poverty is ayuda (Aid should not really be the solution to poverty),” she said.

Duterte also said she shares the public’s frustration over what she described as lack of direction in governance.

“Nakikisa ako sa kanila sa kapaguran dahil sa kawalan ng direksyon ng gobyerno natin (I share in their exhaustion because of the lack of direction of our government),” she said.

Remarks on corruption and investment climate

The Vice President also said corruption and weak governance continue to discourage investors, claiming the Philippines is less competitive than neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.

“Ang levels ng corruption is from the Office of the President hanggang doon sa barangay (The levels of corruption run from the Office of the President down to the barangay level),” she alleged.

She added that investor confidence has weakened due to corruption concerns.

Other remarks

Duterte also dismissed online allegations that she threw a laptop at a staff member, calling the claim false.

“Basura siya na chismis (It is garbage gossip),” she said, adding she rarely uses laptops for work and would not throw one because it is expensive.

She also said she was able to speak with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and described their conversation as centered on faith and reflection.

“He’s not joyous. He’s not sad. Siguro because of the quiet reflection about God and the universe and whether or not merong Diyos o wala. Medyo, subdued, yan. That’s the term,” she added.