Vice President Sara Duterte’s Impeachment Dismissal Sparks Controversy
In Manila, the House of Representatives prosecution team spokesperson, Atty. Antonio Bucoy, argued that Vice President Sara Duterte’s request to dismiss the impeachment complaint against her suggests she lacks evidence to defend herself. Bucoy emphasized the importance of facing the charges with facts, underscoring that the prosecution’s case is supported by strong testimonial, documentary, and demonstrative evidence.
“If you can really face it and you want to clear your name, answer based on facts. What we’ve presented to you is factual, supported by evidence whether testimonial, documentary or demonstrative,” Bucoy said during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino.
Prosecution Challenges Duterte to Present Evidence
Bucoy expressed concern over Duterte’s refusal to respond to the charges. He noted that her immediate move to dismiss the case raises questions about her confidence in her defense. “The problem here is that she won’t answer, she’s even dribbling it and she wants to dismiss it immediately. What does this mean? She has no evidence or she doesn’t want the prosecution’s evidence to come out,” he added.
This statement came just a day after the House prosecution panel submitted its reply to Duterte’s motion to dismiss the impeachment complaint. Duterte’s plea is directed at the impeachment court, aiming to have the complaint against her dismissed.
Details of the Impeachment Complaint
The impeachment complaint accuses Vice President Sara Duterte of several serious offenses, including culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes. Central to the allegations is her alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds.
The House prosecution panel remains firm in their stance, urging Duterte to face the facts rather than avoid the issue. Sources noted that the Supreme Court would be the final arbiter regarding the constitutionality and institutional aspects of the case.
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