Manila: House prosecution panel spokesperson Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur on Friday questioned Vice President Sara Duterte's personal stake in calling for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to resign, emphasizing that she would be the one to benefit from such a move.
According to Philippines News Agency, Alonto Adiong, during a press briefing, highlighted a clear conflict of interest in the Vice President's call, stressing the importance of considering who is making the call alongside the message itself. "Una, importante po, hindi lang ang message kundi sino ang nagsasabi ng message na ito (First, and most importantly, it is not just the message itself that matters, but who is delivering it)," Adiong stated.
Vice President Duterte made the call for President Marcos to step down after appearing at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, which had deferred her arraignment in a grave-threats case at her camp's request. She accused President Marcos of dishonesty and abuse while addressing her supporters, asserting that she could not remain silent as Filipinos struggled with flooding and providing for their families. Duterte urged her supporters to continue opposing what she described as abuse and corruption.
Adiong suggested that people should question "who stands to benefit" from the Vice President's call for resignation. Meanwhile, Former Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers, serving as the House prosecution team's adviser and spokesperson, acknowledged Duterte's right to express her views about President Marcos and the challenges she faced. "Well, karapatan naman niya magsalita o magbigay ng statement kung anong kanyang opinion at nararamdaman (she has the right to speak or issue a statement regarding her opinion and feelings) against anyone and against the situation she's facing," Barbers remarked.
Barbers also pointed to the court proceedings as evidence that Duterte was being given an opportunity to exercise her rights. "Itong nangyayari ngayon ay patunay na may binibigay na due process para sa kanya (What is happening right now is proof that due process is being accorded to her)," he said. The Quezon City court has directed the Department of Justice to comment on the defense motion before ruling on it. Duterte's lawyer, Paul Lawrence Lim, declined to disclose the motion's contents, and the deferral postponed the reading of the charges and entry of a plea.
Barbers emphasized that the process should be respected, even as Duterte voiced sharply worded criticism. "She can say whatever she wants to say," Barbers added.
