Allies on impeached Duterte: Reckless abuse of power

Metro Manila, Philippines - A number of allies defended impeached Vice President Sara Duterte and called the move “political persecution.”

In a statement, Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte slammed the Marcos administration of which his sister was once a part of.

“This is not just about VP Sara Duterte. This is about the will of the Filipino people. The growing discontent and frustration across the country will not be contained for long. Mark my words: this reckless abuse of power will not end in their favor,” he said.

Salvador Panelo, ex-spokesperson of former President Rodrigo Duterte, said the impeachment was meant to destroy the vice-president’s reputation and eventually disqualify her from running in the presidential polls in 2028.

Panelo also slammed lawmakers for disobeying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. over his statement that ousting Duterte was a waste of time and that it will not benefit any single Filipino.

“Their move will only galvanize the support of the Filipino people on VP Sara, and will fan the flames of disgust and rage against their willful and brazen violation of the guarantees enshrined in the Constitution,” he said.

Vic Rodriguez, Marcos’ former executive secretary, also condemned the move.

“Huwag natin hayaan magpatuloy ang ganitong uri ng mapanlinlang at baluktot na pamumuno,” he said.

[Translation: Let us not allow this kind of deceitful and twisted leadership to continue.]

Meanwhile, Duterte ally Sen. Bato dela Rosa said he will be impartial in the impeachment trial.

The Office of the Vice President has yet to release a statement.