A spokesperson for the House prosecution panel raised concerns on Friday regarding Vice President Sara Duterte’s personal motivation after she publicly urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to step down.
Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong pointed out that Duterte stands as the primary beneficiary should her call succeed, creating a direct conflict of interest. He urged the public to scrutinize both the statement and the person making it.
“Una, importante po, hindi lang ang message kundi sino ang nagsasabi ng message na ito,” Alonto Adiong said during a House prosecution news briefing.
He further suggested that citizens should reflect on a fundamental question, “who stands to benefit?”
Duterte issued her call for Marcos to resign outside the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, following the postponement of her arraignment in a grave-threats case granted upon her legal team’s request. Speaking to a crowd of supporters, she accused the President of deceit and misconduct, asserting that she could not stay quiet while ordinary Filipinos grapple with severe flooding and financial hardship.
Former Surigao del Norte Representative Ace Barbers, serving as an adviser and spokesperson for the prosecution team, noted that while Duterte has the freedom to voice her grievances, the ongoing judicial proceedings demonstrate that legal protocols are being observed.
“Well, karapatan naman niya magsalita o magbigay ng statement kung anong kanyang opinion at nararamdaman against anyone and against the situation she’s facing,” Barbers said.
“Itong nangyayari ngayon ay patunay na may binibigay na due process para sa kanya,” he added.