Manila, June 27 -- A Mindanao lawmaker on Thursday denounced Vice President Sara Duterte's claim that her impeachment is politically driven to block her potential 2028 presidential bid, branding it as a "distraction from the real issues of accountability."

"Let me be very clear: Being a front-runner is not a defense against serious allegations. It is not a shield from investigation, nor is it a justification for violating the Constitution. Popularity is not immunity," Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said in a statement.

Duterte earlier accused lawmakers of receiving monetary compensation to support the impeachment complaint.

"That allegation is outrageous, malicious, and utterly beneath the dignity of the Office of th...