Former Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) President Atty. Domingo Cayosa clarified that Vice President Sara Duterte does not have immunity from suit, meaning she can be charged if someone files a case against her.
Under the Constitution, only the President is granted immunity from suit. Vice President Sara Duterte could potentially face a libel case over her claim that First Lady Liza Marcos orchestrated the distribution of money-filled envelopes at the Department of Education (DepEd).
This comes alongside Duterte's alleged grave threat against the First Couple and House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the event of an assassination attempt on her.
According to Cayosa, Duterte could also face possible disbarment for violating the code of conduct for lawyers.
“Mayroon po kasi kaming napakaimporte, Canon 1 nga ng Code of Professional Responsibiliy and Accountability ang mga abogado, that ang nakalagay doon, a lawyer shall uphold the Constitution, obey the laws of the land and promote respect for law and for legal processes,” Cayosa said in an exclusive interview with DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Monday.
"So kung ikaw ay nanganganib sa tingin mo at ang iyong gagawin at ib-broadcast na nangontra ka na ng papatay ng tatlong tao ay that’s not respect for the law and for the processes," he added.
Cayosa further stated that the Vice President seems to have forgotten her responsibilities as a public official and the limitations imposed on her as a lawyer.
During a press briefing on Friday night, Duterte stated that she had arranged for someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and First Lady Liza Marcos should she be assassinated.
