A civic group is preparing to establish a parallel “people’s court” to run alongside any Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, even as the lawyer behind a withdrawn complaint against her predicted she would avoid the House proceedings entirely.
Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya (KME) chairman Jaime Regalario said the organization is in talks with bishops and members of religious congregations to set up a citizens’ counterpart tribunal that would operate in step with the Senate.
“Binabalak, pinag-uusapan na namin sa KME, kasama sila, ‘yung ilang obispo at mga kaparian ng ilang kongregasyon na magtayo ng parang people’s counterpart—people’s court na habang nagsasagawa ng pagdinig doon sa loob ng Senado,” Regalario said at a Saturday media forum.
Regalario said the group intends to obtain copies of the same evidence presented before the Senate and air them in the parallel proceeding. He is also eyeing retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno and other former members of the judiciary to participate. On venue, Regalario expressed preference for being allowed inside the Senate compound.
“Maski na sa outside the gate, if they will allow us doon sa loob ng gate, the better. Kakausapin ko si Senate President Tito Sotto kung pwede kaming doon na lang sa may mga puno na hindi mainit,” he said.
Duterte currently faces two impeachment complaints that the House committee on justice recently found sufficient in form and substance. The complaints cite alleged betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution, stemming from the reported misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds and a purported threat on the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The House committee on justice has invited the Vice President to attend hearings beginning March 25, with additional dates on April 14, 19, and 22. Her legal counsel, Atty. Michael Poa, confirmed Friday that Duterte had received the invitation but said he had yet to discuss with her whether she would appear.
Atty. Dino de Leon, who was involved in a complaint against Duterte that was later withdrawn, is skeptical she will show up — and says it would not matter much if she did.
“Pupusta ako dyan, hindi ‘yan darating. Pero kung darating siya, hindi niya sasagutin ang mga tanong. Bagkos, ililihis na naman [ang usapan] at magagalit at sasabihin politika lamang ito,” De Leon said.
He argued that the Constitution places a clear obligation on Duterte to face the process.
“Iyung Constitution po ang sinasabi this is a sacred process at kailangang galangin ni [VP] Sara Duterte ang mga institusyon, including the House of Representatives, including eventually the Senate. At kailangan niyang sagutin sa Saligang Batas at sabi sa Saligang Batas, accountability ito, kailangan mag-explain siya,” he said.
De Leon also took issue with how Duterte has responded to the allegations so far, saying her public statements have sidestepped the substance of the charges.
“After being given the chance to answer the allegations against her, what we’ve had is a non-answer… Bumalik na naman sa teknikalidad. Ang pinakaimportante dyan accountability, hindi kung ano-anong teknikalidad,” he said.
The Vice President’s camp did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
