A lawyer involved in the withdrawn impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte said he believes she may not appear in the House of Representatives hearings, despite being “duty bound” to address the allegations against her.
Speaking at the Saturday Media Forum, lawyer Dino de Leon emphasized that the impeachment process is a constitutional mechanism that requires accountability from public officials.
“Duty bound siya [VP Sara]. Constitutional process ‘to… accountability ito, kailangan mag-explain siya,” de Leon said.
He stressed that the process must be respected as part of upholding democratic institutions.
“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 added.
De Leon previously served as legal counsel to Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima in her drug case, which was later dismissed. He also acted as campaign spokesperson during her unsuccessful 2022 senatorial bid.
Despite his view on constitutional duty, de Leon expressed skepticism that Duterte would participate in the proceedings.
“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,” he said.
He underscored the importance of the House inquiry, particularly given the position held by the Vice President.
“Accountability is never a waste of time especially we’re talking about the second highest official of the land… Ang pinaka-importante [ay] accountability” he added.
The camp of Vice President Duterte has yet to issue a response regarding the matter.