Vice President Sara Duterte expressed gratitude to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for their unwavering support amid the challenges facing her office following her impeachment by the House of Representatives.
During a thanksgiving event in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Duterte acknowledged the loyalty of OFWs, stating that she remains committed to her role because of their continued backing.
“Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat… dahil kayo lang sumusuporta sa OVP, ang buong gobyerno ay iniwanan na po ang OVP,” she said.
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) faced a significant budget cut, receiving only ₱733.1 million under the 2025 General Appropriations Act—a drastic reduction from the proposed ₱2 billion. As a result, the OVP announced the discontinuation of its medical and burial assistance programs due to a lack of funds.
On February 5, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte, with over 200 lawmakers endorsing the complaint. Her impeachment trial is set to begin on July 30, 2025. In response, Duterte filed a Supreme Court petition challenging the validity and constitutionality of the impeachment complaint against her.
At the event, she also thanked OFWs for their support in the 2022 elections and jokingly hinted at her 2028 political plans, drawing cheers from the crowd.
“At sa susunod na halalan sa 2028. Joke lang, joke,” she quipped.
Duterte previously stated she was “seriously considering” running in the 2028 presidential elections.