Manila: House of Representatives prosecutor and Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor of Iloilo emphasized the universality of responsibility as he initiated the presentation of Article IV of the Articles for Impeachment against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
According to Philippines News Agency, Article IV accuses Duterte of actions that betray public trust, violate the constitution, and constitute high crimes, specifically referencing her public admission in a live broadcast of contracting someone to assassinate President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Before the prosecution's first witness testified on the charges of grave threats, Defensor highlighted that the Vice President's words and actions transcend simple legal infractions, representing a direct constitutional breach. He further noted that the evidence consists not only of testimonies and authenticated documents but also Duterte's own public statements and behaviors.
Defensor clarified that Duterte's statements were deliberate and intended to be taken seriously, emphasizing their gravity given her position as Vice President and potential successor to the President. He argued that such statements exceed the bounds of freedom of expression and pose a significant threat to governmental integrity, especially in light of her public aspiration to run for President in the next election.
Drawing comparisons to recent swift law enforcement actions against individuals for threats or jokes about violence, Defensor argued for consistent accountability, regardless of age, status, or position. He referenced incidents such as a tragic school shooting in Tacloban City and an airport passenger's arrest over a bomb joke, illustrating that responsibility is universally applicable.
Defensor also mentioned past cases, such as a public school teacher's arrest for joking about violence against the President, to underscore the principle that responsibility is inescapable for everyone. He stressed that the impeachment trial serves as a mechanism to affirm the link between power and responsibility, challenging the nation to uphold values like moral integrity, word of honor, and loyalty to one's oath of office in those holding high positions.
In closing, Defensor underscored the trial's significance in preventing a culture of impunity and reinforcing the foundational principles of honorable public service.
