Vice President Sara Duterte Insists on Impeachment Trial
Vice President Sara Duterte has expressed her strong desire for the impeachment trial against her in the Senate to proceed, anticipating a fierce confrontation. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that Duterte has instructed her legal team to prepare thoroughly, even as her lawyers aim to avoid a trial.
In a recent interview, the Vice President revealed, “Lawyers, okay naman sila, in full throttle ‘yung kanilang preparations sa impeachment. And, of course, they do not want a trial. As lawyers, alam naman natin ang galawan ng mga abugado. Madami silang paraan sa batas.” Despite their efforts to prevent a trial, Duterte herself is eager to face the proceedings, stating, “Sinabihan ko na rin talaga sila. I truly want a trial because I want a bloodbath talaga.”
Family Successes Amid Political Challenges
On the same day, Duterte joined her brother, Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte, at a thanksgiving mass in Davao City. The gathering celebrated the electoral victories of several Duterte family members. Former President Rodrigo Duterte secured the mayoral seat, while current Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte won the vice mayoralty. Additionally, other family members, including Paolo Duterte’s son, were successful in their respective midterm election bids.
Facing the Impeachment Trial with Peace of Mind
Duterte shared that she remains calm and at peace regardless of the impeachment trial’s outcome, which is anticipated to begin around July with the new Congress session. The House prosecution team will consist of eleven lawmakers, including prominent critics of her father, such as Representatives Leila de Lima and Chel Diokno.
Acknowledging the uncertainty of the verdict, Duterte stated, “Wala akong expectations of acquittal or a guilty verdict. Basta sa akin lang, tinanggap ko na kung ano iyong magiging verdict, guilty man yon or acquittal. I’m already at peace.” She emphasized that it is premature to predict how senators will vote before hearing the evidence, saying, “So, mali siguro na magbilangan ng boto ng walang trial. Pero ginagawa siya ng publiko. Basta sa akin, tanggap ko kung anong mangyayari, anong magiging ending noong impeachment.”
Details of the Impeachment Complaint
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5, transmitting the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate the same day. However, the Senate initially recessed without addressing the case. The complaint includes seven articles citing various allegations: betrayal of public trust related to assassination threats against President Marcos and other officials; graft and corruption and misuse of public funds; bribery within the Department of Education; constitutional violations tied to unexplained wealth; involvement in extrajudicial killings; alleged destabilization plots; and conduct unbecoming of the Vice President.
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