Palace to Sara Duterte: Don’t forget your VP duties

Vice-president of Philippines Sara Duterte (C) arrives to address the people gathering outside the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, on March 14, 2025, as former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte appears for the first time before International Criminal Court to face crimes against humanity charges. Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — The Palace reminded Vice President Sara Duterte, currently in The Hague, Netherlands, that she must continue fulfilling her responsibilities as the country’s second-highest official.

“I think she should consider that the Philippines also needs her as the vice president,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a briefing on Wednesday.

“She should be working not just for her father, although it is acceptable and understandable what she is feeling right now… But she should also remember that she herself said millions of Filipinos voted for her, and she also needs to serve them,” she added.

READ: Impeachment prosecutors to VP Sara: reveal actual recipients of P612.5 million in confi funds

The Office of the Vice President is once again under scrutiny after more alleged fake recipients of confidential funds—some with names seemingly inspired by food—were uncovered amid ongoing questions about “non-existent” beneficiaries.

The list of questionable names include “Jay Kamote” and “Miggy Mango.”

On Wednesday’s briefing, Castro said this needs to be investigated as the public deserves to know where their taxes go.

“If this was indeed discovered, it must still be proven because, as of the moment, we assume there is a presumption of regularity regarding this matter. However, since it is being questioned, VP Sara must prove whether these receipts are genuine or not,” she said.

READ: Robes fitted as Senate readies for Sara Duterte impeachment trial

Aside from this issue, Vice President Duterte is also set to face an impeachment trial after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address in July.

Vice President Duterte left Manila last Wednesday to join her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was sent to The Hague, Netherlands, to face the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes against humanity.

In an interview after her father’s appearance before ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 last Friday, Vice President Duterte said she would not return to the Philippines until her father’s legal team is formed and another relative joins them in The Hague.