Lawmakers from the Makabayan Bloc slammed Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged plan to appoint her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, as her legal counsel if the impeachment complaint filed against her progresses, calling it a desperate political maneuver.
ACT Teachers Party-List Rep. France Castro pointed out that instead of clarifying how the confidential funds were used, Vice President Duterte is allegedly using her father as a shield.
Castro further claimed that this is a desperate attempt to win back supporters, citing a reported decline in VP Duterte's satisfaction ratings.
Meanwhile, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas asserted that the Dutertes should concentrate on resolving their individual accountabilities.
Brosas argued that the former president is in no position to defend the Vice President, given that he is also dealing with allegations of International Humanitarian Law violations.
Furthermore, Rep. Raoul Manuel of Kabataan Party-list argued that the planned father-daughter legal team is merely a ploy to divert attention from their accountability over public funds.
Vice President Duterte earlier stated that she did not violate any laws, following the filing of three impeachment complaints against her.
She affirmed that she is ready to address the complaints filed against her, with her father taking on the role of her lawyer.
The official also stated that she welcomes the impeachment complaints that have 'finally' been filed against her, allowing her to defend herself against the accusations without involving her staff in the investigations.
