Leila De Lima, a new lawmaker who will soon join Congress, says people should not worry about anything violent happening during Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
This came after VP Sara said she’s excited about her trial and even used the word “bloodbath,” like it’s going to be a wild or brutal fight. But De Lima said, “That’s not true. A trial is not a war. Nobody will get hurt.”
De Lima explained that during an impeachment trial, only the person being impeached is on trial — not the people asking the questions, not the judges, and not the public. So there is no reason for any “bloodbath,” even if VP Sara used that word.
De Lima also said that VP Sara and her team often talk big, act proud, and try to sound scary — but that’s not how serious leaders should behave. She said, “VP Sara can come and watch how her trial will be serious and fair. Her rights will be respected. No one will shout or act wild like in a drama.”
She also warned that if Sara’s team tries to turn the trial into a circus full of shouting and chaos, they could get in trouble for showing disrespect. “This is not a place for drama. It’s a special legal process that holds leaders accountable,” De Lima added.
VP Sara’s impeachment trial will officially begin on July 30.
Earlier this year, in February, the House of Representatives decided to impeach her because of three serious things:
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She used secret government money (called “confidential funds”) in a questionable way.
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She was allegedly involved in killings when she was the mayor of Davao City.
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She said something scary — that she might hire someone to kill the president (Bongbong Marcos) if someone killed her first.
Now, the trial will decide if she really did something wrong and if she should lose her job as Vice President.
