A desperate legal maneuver to obstruct justice and evade accountability has been filed by Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp in the Supreme Court to halt the impeachment proceedings in the Senate, according to the Makabayan bloc.
“We, the Makabayan bloc in Congress, strongly condemn the desperate legal maneuvers of Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp to obstruct justice and evade accountability through their recent petition to the Supreme Court seeking to halt the impeachment proceedings,” ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas and Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel said in a statement.
They argue that Duterte’s strategy is a last-ditch effort to escape scrutiny over the questionable spending of hundreds of millions in confidential funds.
“Kung walang tinatago, bakit ayaw humarap? First, she refused to appear in House hearings, now she wants to prevent the impeachment trial altogether,” Castro emphasized.
Brosas stressed that there is a clear pattern in Duterte’s actions, avoiding hearings in the House and now attempting to stop the impeachment court. This, she claims, represents the height of arrogance and disdain for public accountability from Duterte.
“The pattern is clear – hindi haharap sa House hearings, ngayon naman ay gustong pigilan ang impeachment court. This is the height of arrogance and contempt for public accountability. Ang tanong: saan napunta ang milyon-milyong confidential funds?” Brosas stated.
Manuel said that what the Filipino people need are answers, not “legal gymnastics,” and that Duterte cannot hide behind her Davao lawyers forever.
Manuel challenged Duterte to face the impeachment court if her conscience is truly clear.
“The Filipino people deserve answers, not legal gymnastics. The Vice President cannot hide behind her Davao lawyers forever. Kung talagang malinis ang konsensya, harapin ang impeachment court,” Manuel said.
The Makabayan bloc asserts that the impeachment complaint was filed correctly and following all constitutional requirements.
They claim that the petition submitted by supporters of VP Sara is a blatant attempt to maintain fiscal impunity and safeguard a culture of corruption.
The Makabayan bloc urges the Supreme Court to dismiss the unfounded petition and allow the impeachment process to proceed as mandated by the Constitution. The Senate should convene as an impeachment court without delay.
“Filipino people deserve no less than full transparency and accountability from their public officials.” (ZIA LUNA)
