There’s a growing sense of tension… and uncertainty.
Despite being “duty bound” to face the allegations against her, one of the lawyers behind a now-withdrawn impeachment complaint believes Vice President Sara Duterte may not show up at all.
Speaking at the Saturday Media Forum, Atty. Dino de Leon didn’t hold back.
He stressed that this isn’t just another political issue—it’s something deeper.
Something heavier.
“This is a constitutional process… this is about accountability,” he said. “She needs to explain.”
He emphasized that the Constitution itself calls this process sacred—one that demands respect for institutions like the House of Representatives… and eventually, the Senate.
And at the heart of it all?
Accountability.
Plain and simple.
But here’s where doubt creeps in.
De Leon admitted he doesn’t expect the Vice President to attend the hearings.
“I’ll bet on it—she won’t come,” he said bluntly.
And even if she does?
He believes the outcome won’t be any different.
“She won’t answer the questions. She’ll divert the issue… get angry… and say this is all politics.”
That possibility raises even more questions.
Because for De Leon, the issue isn’t about technicalities… or legal maneuvering.
It’s about responsibility.
“Accountability is never a waste of time—especially when we’re talking about the second highest official of the land,” he said.
A Nation Watching
The House committee on justice has already invited Duterte to attend the hearings starting March 25, with more dates scheduled in April.
Her legal team has confirmed she received the invitation.
But whether she will attend?
Still unclear.
Even her own lawyer, Atty. Michael Poa, said they have yet to discuss it.
Meanwhile, critics argue that her previous responses to the allegations have fallen short.
Instead of clarity… they saw deflection.
“After being given the chance to answer, what we got was a non-answer,” De Leon said. “We keep going back to technicalities—when the real issue is accountability.”
Serious Allegations, Rising Pressure
The Vice President now faces two impeachment complaints already deemed sufficient in grounds.
The accusations are serious:
- Betrayal of public trust
- Violation of the Constitution
- Alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds
- And even alleged threats against top government officials
These are not minor claims.
And the public knows it.
A ‘People’s Court’ in the Making
As if the situation isn’t intense enough… another development is taking shape.
A civic group, Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya (KME), is planning something bold—a “people’s court.”
A parallel proceeding.
A public mirror of what could unfold in the Senate.
Their goal?
To ensure transparency… and public participation.
“We want to present the same evidence… at the same time,” said KME chairman Jaime Regalario.
They’re even considering involving respected figures, including former Supreme Court officials.
Whether inside or outside Senate grounds… they’re determined to proceed.
Silence… for Now
As of now, the Vice President’s camp has yet to respond.
And so, the question lingers—
Will she face the hearings?
Or avoid them?
In a moment that demands answers… the country waits.
