House prosecutor and Manila Rep. Joel Chua said anger over the treatment of an aide cannot justify alleged threats against the President, arguing that the incident raises questions about whether an official has the temperament to exercise presidential power.
He said the circumstances surrounding the detention of Vice President Sara. Duterte’s aide, Atty. Zuleika Lopez may explain Duterte’s emotions but does not excuse the statements she later made.
Duterte issued the remarks amid a confrontation over the detention and planned transfer of Lopez, who was cited in contempt during a House inquiry into the use of confidential funds and was later taken to a hospital.
“I mean, what if dumating ‘yung panahon na siya ang naging Pangulo at may nangyaring insidente, like for example, may nangyaring insidente sa kanyang staff. Ibig sabihin ba noon gigiyerahin na niya yung ibang bansa o kung sino man dahil sa galit niya?” the solon asked.
He said impeachment proceedings examine the conduct, judgment, and character of high-ranking officials entrusted with powers that could affect the entire country.
“Ang impeachment, ang sabi ni Justice Isagani Cruz, is a method of national inquest into the conduct of public men. Ang sinusuri dito ay yung pag-uugali ng taong nakapuwesto,” he explained.
The lawmaker noted that the President and Vice President carry a distinct public responsibility because they are elected nationally and represent the Philippines both domestically and internationally.
“Pero sa lahat ng mga na-elect, dalawa lang kasi; iba ang parameter ng pag-uugali na tinitingnan sa dalawang ito. Dahil itong dalawang ito ang nagre-representa ng ating bansa,” Chua pointed out.
He warned that a national leader’s behavior could influence how Filipinos and the international community perceive the country.
“Ito ang magiging imahe ng ating bansa. So, could you imagine kung isang presidente ay bayolente, ano magiging tingin sa atin ng ating mga kababayan, ng mga tao outside our country?” he asked.
“Ito ba dapat ang inaasal ng pangalawang Pangulo ng ating Republika ng Pilipinas?” Chua added.