Philippine vice president announces plan to seek presidency but has hurdles of impeachment bids

Описание: (18 Feb 2026)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Manila, Philippines - 18 February 2026
1. Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte walking to stage
2. Wide of press conference
3. SOUNDBITE: (Tagalog) Sara Duterte, Philippine Vice President:
“Because I couldn’t bear to be part of the 2025 National budget that was riddled with corruption and choose to resign from the Cabinet post, even though I know as early as 2023 the consequences of my resignation will be my impeachment."
4. Reporters taking notes
5. SOUNDBITE: (Tagalog) Sara Duterte, Philippine Vice President:
“Sorry, if up to now many Filipinos are still drowning in the flood because of widespread corruption.”
6. Reporter typing on computer
7. SOUNDBITE: (English/Tagalog) Sara Duterte, Philippine Vice President:
“I cannot kneel before each and every Filipino to beg for forgiveness. Instead, I offer my life, my strength, and my future in the service of our nation. To my countrymen, let us return the courage and compassion, for God for our country and to each Filipino family. I’m Sara Duterte, I will run for President of the Philippines. Thank you.”
8. Duterte leaving press conference
STORYLINE:
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte announced Wednesday that she would seek the presidency at a difficult stage in her political life as she faces new impeachment bids in Congress and separate criminal complaints, including for largescale corruption, which could ban her from public office if convicted.

The vice president's father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, also faces a potential trial for crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court, which ordered his arrest and detention in the Netherlands last year over his deadly anti-drugs crackdowns while in office.

The vice president, 47, made the announcement in a televised speech where she renewed allegations of corruption and misrule against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose six-year term ends in June 2028.

After a whirlwind alliance, the two top leaders of one of Asia’s most unwieldy democracies had a bitter falling out.

She has accused Marcos of allowing what her family called the illegal arrest and kidnapping of her father by the global court in March last year.

Duterte accused Marcos of reneging on his campaign promises and of misrule.

She repeatedly asked for public forgiveness for a litany of problems facing Filipinos, from largescale corruption in government and law and order issues to soaring prices of food and other basic commodities.

Marcos did not immediately react to the vice president's presidential plan and allegations.

“Politicians often avoid announcing their plans early so they wouldn’t be the target of attacks,” the vice president said.

“But this administration has long destroyed my name.”

She then announced her presidential bid and left a news conference without taking any questions.

Although still popular based on independent public surveys, the vice president faces a raft of criminal allegations and three impeachment complaints that could permanently prohibit her from holding public office if convicted.

The impeachment complaints filed before the House of Representatives this month centered on her alleged illegal use and mishandling of 612.5 million pesos ($10.3 million) in confidential funds from the vice president’s office, and also from her time as education secretary under Marcos.


One of the complaints also accused the vice president of having unexplained wealth, including in personal bank accounts.








AP Video shot by Joeal Calupitan



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