Metro Manila, Philippines – A number of lawmakers rejected claims of Vice President Sara Duterte’s older brother that House members are being pressured to vote in favor of the impeachment, with a legislator calling the accusation black propaganda.
At the height of the impeachment hearing on April 29, Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte claimed that a staff of a certain ‘Charise’ called the chief of staff of lawmakers to pressure them to vote in favor of the ouster complaints against the vice president.
The elder Duterte said opposing the impeachment would strip away the budget of lawmakers in their districts including funds for infrastructure projects, schools, irrigation, and social services.
In a chance interview, Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña hit the lawmaker’s claim, saying he already expected what he called a ‘black propaganda.’
“Itong mga ganitong balita ay paninira, at isa na rin itong threat para gamitin later on sa boboto for impeachment. Inaasahan na natin itong gantong black propaganda pero sa dulo kasi, hindi ito panahon para matakot ang members of the House,” he said.
[Translation: News like this is meant to discredit, and it also serves as a threat to be used later against those who will vote for impeachment. We already expect this kind of black propaganda, but in the end, this is not the time for members of the House to be afraid.]
In a televised interview, House justice committee chairperson Jinky Luistro also rejected the accusation, saying neither she nor her staff received calls to support the impeachment.
Former Sen. Sonny Trillanes, who testified against the Dutertes in the impeachment hearing, also took a swipe at the vice president’s brother, whom he said can’t even attend the proceedings to defend his sister.
Rep. Duterte is not a member of the justice panel, but non-members are welcome to make manifestations.
Trillanes also dared the lawmaker to answer his allegations that the Davao lawmaker is a recipient of money from businessman Sammy Uy, which the former senator described as a drug lord.
“Hindi mo ba ide-deny ang mga milyones na nakuha mo kay Sammy Uy? Hindi ba nasa konseho ka noon? Masilip nga ang SALN mo,” he posted on X.
[Translation: Won’t you deny the millions you got from Sammy Uy? Weren’t you in the council at the time? Let me take a look at your statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth.]
On April 29, the justice committee unanimously voted that there is probable cause to impeach VP Duterte.
The vice president is facing impeachment complaints for betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, and high crimes, among others over allegations of fund misuse, threats to the presidential family, and unexplained wealth.
