Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon has declared that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte extends beyond the specific allegations of grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family, framing it as a vital confrontation against a widespread “culture of threats” in the country’s political landscape.
Speaking at a House of Representatives press briefing, Ridon criticized the normalization of hostile rhetoric among politicians and their bases, sharing that he has recently been targeted by a local councilor.
He warned that the conduct of top officials frequently serves as a blueprint for their supporters.
“Ang totoo dito, ang pinaprosecute po natin di lang ang threats ng Pangulong Pangulo. Ang pinaprosecute din po natin ang kultura ng pagbabanta. Ang nakita po natin, the followers follow the leader, hindi ho ba? If the leader has made threats against the leader, kahit yung mga sumusunod sa kanila, ganoon din po ang ginagawa sa mga umuusig sa kanilang leader,” Ridon explained.
The lawmaker stressed that the strict standards of accountability directed at the Vice President must be applied equally across the board, without regard to an official’s status or the medium through which the intimidation is delivered.
“Very important na in the same manner we are exacting high accountability on the Vice President for grave threats against the President and his family, dapat ganoon din kataas yung sigasig natin dun sa paghahabol sa lahat ng gumagawa ng mga pagbabanta laban sa kung sino man ang tao, whether spoken like what the Vice President said or stated in digital form like what the particular local councillor did to me,” he stated.
Ridon concluded by demanding equal application of the law, asserting:
“Magkakapantay po lahat ito. Kung hinahabol natin ang pangalawang Pangulo through impeachment, hahabulin din po natin ang mga supporters niya katulad nitong konsehal po na ito.”
The ongoing Senate impeachment trial stems from allegations that the Vice President made grave threats against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.