Adiong to lawmakers: Resist personal attacks, focus on Duterte trial
MANILA, Philippines – Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong on Wednesday said lawmakers must not let pressure affect them as Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial nears, adding that personal attacks should not sidetrack the proceedings.
Officials have a duty to uphold the 1987 Constitution, and senators should continue carrying out their mandate to conduct impeachment proceedings despite any political consequences, he said.
“This is the time when you need to stand by what you believe is right,” Adiong told Bilyonaryo News Channel.
“You need to stand by the Constitution, because the Constitution is just a document, words on paper,” he added. “If we don’t live it out, the Constitution has no effect.”
READ: Solon: Sara Duterte has no defense in impeach case, only seeks dismissal
Duterte, 48, remains a popular political figure with a fiercely loyal support base despite facing accusations of corruption and constitutional violations that have fueled impeachment efforts against her.
The vice president faces four charges in the articles of impeachment, which the House transmitted to the Senate on May 11 after an overwhelming vote. She was charged with the following:
• Culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust through the alleged systematic misuse, misappropriation, and irregular use of confidential funds amounting to P500 million under the Office of the Vice President and P112.5 million under the Department of Education;
• Culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust for allegedly amassing unexplained wealth manifestly disproportionate to her lawful income and earnings during her incumbency as a public official, and for failing to disclose all assets in her statements of net worth for 2022, 2023, and 2024;
• Bribery, graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust for allegedly giving monetary gifts or payments to Department of Education officials to induce violations of and circumvent procurement and related laws;
• Culpable violation of the Constitution, high crimes, and betrayal of public trust for allegedly contracting the assassination of the president, the first lady, and the former House speaker, making grave threats, and actively inciting sedition against the Republic. /mcm
