Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong has criticized Vice President Sara Z. Duterte for trivializing her own impeachment trial, arguing that her characterization of the proceedings as merely a “drama” undermines the legal process and the grave allegations she faces.
Adiong, who serves as a spokesperson for the House prosecution panel, emphasized that Duterte’s remarks reduce a solemn constitutional process to mere public entertainment. According to the lawmaker, such language appears designed to dodge the substance of the testimonies and documentary evidence presented in court.
“The way she looks at this impeachment trial is just an episode of a series of drama. She trivializes the discussion in the impeachment court by describing it as a drama,” Adiong said.
The spokesperson pointed out an inconsistency in the Vice President’s stance. He noted that Duterte and her defense team previously insisted that the allegations against her should be answered in the proper forum. Yet, with the case now actively being heard before the Senate impeachment court, she continues to attack the integrity of the process from the outside.
“Ngayon na nandito na tayo sa proper forum, sinasabi naman niya drama,” Adiong added.
Adiong framed her comments as part of a recurring pattern of public statements intended to disrespect constitutional bodies inspecting her conduct—pointing to her past challenges against House proceedings and her petition asking the Supreme Court to intervene on the House’s authority.
“I think she’s just being consistent about not respecting any legal processes, which to me only manifests the kind of attitude that she has, that she holds herself above our laws,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Janette Garin affirmed that the House prosecution panel will strictly comply with the Senate Impeachment Court’s gag order under Rule 18, even as it forces the team to adjust how it communicates with the public.
Rule 18 enforces a strict sub judice standard, explicitly prohibiting the respondent, senator-judges, prosecutors, defense counsels, and witnesses from discussing the merits of the pending trial in public forums.
“We respect the impeachment court. We respect what the Presiding Officer has said. We will abide,” Garin said.
While acknowledging that the restriction will impact how prosecutors address media queries, Garin assured the public that the team would adapt its strategy without compromising transparency or weakening their arguments inside the courtroom.
“We will do the necessary innovations kasi hindi kami papayag na hindi maabot ng bawat Maria at Juan de la Cruz ang totoong information, the facts that are happening within the impeachment court,” Garin stated.