The House prosecution panel will open the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte with Article 4, which centers on her alleged threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
House prosecution spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the article will test the rule of law and the public trust attached to the country’s second-highest office.
While all four articles of impeachment are backed by strong evidence, Alonto Adiong said the alleged grave threats are the easiest for ordinary Filipinos to understand because they involve conduct, restraint, and respect for legal processes.
“Lahat naman talaga para sa amin, solid ‘yung evidence. Pero the way, I think, ‘yung madaling intindihin ng taong bayan is yung grave threat,” Alonto Adiong said.
“Kasi sa kultura natin, hindi inaalay o hindi natin tinotolerate ‘yung bigla ka na lang magbabanta sa kapwa-tao, di ba?” he added.
Asked whether a grave threat can constitute an impeachable offense, Alonto Adiong said the broader question is whether such conduct amounts to betrayal of public trust.
“Well, it can be a betrayal of public trust. That’s the bigger picture,” he said.
Alonto Adiong said the Office of the Vice President carries a constitutional oath requiring its occupant to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.
“Kasi ang paniwala po namin, having been elected to the second highest position in the land, sumumpa ka naman talaga that you will uphold the Constitution,” he said.
He said the article goes beyond rhetoric because it raises the question of whether a public official can claim to uphold the rule of law while allegedly threatening to settle matters outside lawful institutions.
“Merong constitutional clause dyan na public office is a public trust; that’s a constitutional directive, promoting and upholding the rule of law. Can you promote the rule of law if you try to put justice into your own hands?” Alonto Adiong asked.
Alonto Adiong confirmed that the prosecution intends to begin its presentation with Article 4 once the trial opens before the Senate impeachment court.
“Article 4, grave threat. We anticipate any eventuality that might happen on the first day,” he said.
He said both sides are expected to make strong opening moves because the first day will help define the legal and public frame of the proceedings.
“Kasi pag first day talagang big bang yan sa magkabilang panig because that’s how you can actually set the tone for the trial,” he said.
Alonto Adiong said the prosecution is aware that the trial will be closely watched beyond the Senate session hall.
“Kasi hindi lang Senado at mga senator-judges ang nakatutok talaga sa mga ebidensya mo. Ang buong bayan ang nakatutok,” he said.