VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte said her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, can join her defense team against the impeachment complaint but won’t play a leading role due to his age.
In a press conference held last Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, Duterte said, “He may, if he wants to, be part of the defense team. But because of his age and the rigorous preparations required in an impeachment case, I might tell him not to take the lead. After all, former President Rodrigo Duterte is already 80 years old this year.”
“He is welcome because he is a lawyer, so he is welcome to give his advice and contribute to the defense.”
Apart from being a lawyer, the defense team can also benefit from her father’s experience and stature.
Former President Duterte, who served as the country’s leader from 2016 to 2022, remains a dominant figure in Philippine politics, with his influence continuing to be felt even as he steps away from direct governmental duties.
She also mentioned that she has not yet spoken to former President Rodrigo Duterte about the impeachment case but has sent him a message through his assistant, telling him, “Everything will be alright.”
“His reply was a song, ‘MacArthur Park.’ He sent a video of himself singing it,” she added.
She said she was overwhelmed by the number of lawyers who volunteered to defend her. “So now, we are discussing how to proceed and secure their commitment to support, so they can also help in planning the defense,” she further explained.
Nevertheless, several groups, church members, and families of extra-judicial killings filed a disbarment case against the former president on Jan. 17, 2025, for supposedly violating several laws while ruling the country.
Not a threat
Meanwhile, Duterte reiterated that she did not threaten President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s life.
“These are merely claims from others. They are the ones talking about an assassination, mentioning assassins or gunmen. I did not make such statements,” Duterte said.
The accusations against Duterte, which also involve threats to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez, are included in the seven Articles of Impeachment filed against her.
This follows her impeachment by the House of Representatives on Feb. 5, 2025.
The controversy traced back to Duterte’s comments made during a virtual press conference on Nov. 23, 2024, which were later shared on social media.
Screenshot photo of Rhoda Grace B Saron
