The “bloodbath” expected in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial did not materialize, House impeachment spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said, expressing confidence in the prosecution’s case after the Senate impeachment court’s pre-trial conference.
Rep. Adiong said the “bloodbath” remark attributed to Duterte was more figurative than literal, signaling readiness for a contentious trial rather than actual confrontation.
“Pero based on our evidence, walang bloodbath na nakita,” he said.
He said the House prosecution remains confident that the four Articles of Impeachment are supported by sufficient evidence.
Under Senate impeachment rules, conviction on any one article is enough to remove an impeachable official from office.
Asked which charge is strongest, Rep. Adiong said all four carry weight but noted that the allegation involving Duterte’s reported admission of contracting an assassin to kill President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez—if she were harmed—is the most straightforward for public understanding.
“Ang madali at klaro intindihin… ‘yung threat,” he said.
He said the allegation underscores basic legal principles, including respect for the rule of law and proper legal recourse in resolving disputes.
“We are a nation of laws and not of men,” Rep. Adiong said, stressing that grievances must be addressed through lawful processes, not threats.
He added that public officials are held to higher ethical standards expected to reflect restraint and responsibility.
Rep. Alonto Adiong said the alleged statements fall short of the conduct expected from the country’s second-highest elected official.