DOJ chief: A vice president is not immune from any suit

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. INQUIRER file photo / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines–A vice president is not immune from suit under the present Constitution, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Monday.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) chief said that his position regarding the matter has not changed.

“When VP (Vice President Leni) Robredo was included in sedition charges in 2019 in connection with alias Bikoy’s allegations, I remarked that the VP was not immune from suit under the present constitution,” Guevarra said.

Robredo was among the members of the opposition included in the sedition complaint in connection with the series of videos known as the “Ang Totoong Narcolist.”

The complaint filed by the Philippine National Police was based on the sworn statement of Peter Joemel Advincula, the self-confessed narrator in the video series.

“My opinion on the matter has not changed. (The complaint against VP Robredo was eventually dismissed by the panel of prosecutors for insufficiency of evidence, not on account of immunity),” Guevarra added.

But the DOJ chief clarified that his statement is not about President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration that he will run for vice president so he can have legal immunity.

“To the extent possible, I do not comment on anyone’s political statements, as such is not part of my duties as SOJ (secretary of justice),” he explained.

RELATED STORIES:

Lawsuits after presidency? Duterte says he could run for VP, get immunity 

VP has no immunity from suit, lawyers agree 

JPV