De Lima Questions Special Treatment for Vice President Sara Duterte
In a recent privilege speech, Representative Leila de Lima raised concerns about the apparent special treatment given to Vice President Sara Duterte, which seems to allow her to avoid thorough scrutiny and possible impeachment. The issue of special treatment has sparked debates over the fairness of procedures and the integrity of political accountability.
De Lima highlighted how the Senate and the Supreme Court’s recent handling of Duterte’s impeachment case suggests that she is receiving exceptional protection as a “special official.” This special treatment has, according to her, hindered the proper course of justice.
Senate and Supreme Court Actions Under Fire
De Lima criticized the Senate for postponing the impeachment trial for nearly six months. She asked, “Is VP Sara so special that the Senate postponed the impeachment trial for almost half a year?” Community members noted how the Supreme Court introduced new rules that have complicated the impeachment process.
She pointed out that the Senate sent the articles of impeachment back to the House for certification regarding the one-year bar rule, delaying proceedings. This move, along with the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the articles citing unconstitutionality and introducing seven additional requirements not found in the Constitution, has raised eyebrows among observers.
Allegations Against Vice President Sara Duterte
The impeachment complaint accuses Vice President Sara Duterte of misusing P612.5 million in confidential funds between 2022 and 2024 during her tenure as concurrent vice president and education secretary. She also faces accusations of betrayal of public trust and violating the 1987 Constitution after allegedly admitting to hiring a contract killer to assassinate key government officials if harm came to her.
Legal and Procedural Challenges
Officials reported that in July, the Supreme Court dismissed the impeachment articles and set new procedural hurdles. This ruling led the Senate to vote 19-4-1 to archive the impeachment complaint without formally dismissing it, pending appeals from the House prosecution panel and civil society groups.
De Lima lamented that these legal technicalities have overshadowed the core issue: “Where are the confidential funds?” She also expressed disappointment over the Senate’s slow response, saying the body disrespected the House’s exclusive power to initiate impeachment.
De Lima Calls for Fair and Timely Justice
De Lima emphasized that the Constitution requires the Senate to proceed with impeachment “forthwith,” yet the Senate delayed convening as an impeachment court for months. She remarked, “That burst of urgency, after months of delay, is telling,” suggesting the delay benefited Vice President Duterte and her legal team.
She urged the Supreme Court to reconsider pending motions and warned against applying the new ruling prospectively, arguing that the new requirements effectively amend the Constitution and block future impeachment efforts.
Local leaders noted that the House prosecution panel also criticized the new Supreme Court standards, describing them as insurmountable obstacles for House members to endorse impeachment complaints going forward.
De Lima concluded, “There is no alternative to overturning the rules and doctrines laid down in this decision.”
For more news and updates on Vice President Sara Duterte, visit Filipinokami.com.
