QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon commended San Juan City Lone District Representative Ysabel Maria Zamora, defending her against personal and gender-based attacks after her recent witness presentation in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, September 30, Ridon expressed strong support for Zamora, both of whom serve on the House prosecution panel.
“We are proud of Congresswoman Zamora. She represents the best of the prosecution team. She represents the best of the House,” Ridon said.
“At tingin ko siya po ’yung dapat na maging halimbawa kung paano maging magaling na abogado, magaling na kinatawan, magaling na nanay at magaling na babae,” he noted.
Ridon highlighted Zamora’s skillful handling of the direct examination of Police Major Jerickson Sangalang, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms and Explosives Office records division, regarding firearm records associated with Duterte and her husband, Atty. Manases “Mans” Carpio.
“Magaling ’yung kanyang paglalatag ng kanyang ebidensya doon po sa firearms ng mag-asawang Duterte-Carpio, at walang maipipintas doon sa kanyang paraan ng paglatag ng ebidensya,” Ridon added.
In his testimony, Sangalang disclosed PNP records showing that Duterte possesses 11 registered firearms while Carpio has 21, totaling 32 registered firearms with an estimated valuation exceeding ₱7 million. The evidence was presented to support the prosecution’s second article of impeachment, which addresses claims of unexplained wealth and alleged non-declaration of assets.
Despite her presentation, Zamora encountered online harassment focusing on her physical appearance, accent, and mannerisms rather than the facts presented.
In response, Zamora condemned the misogynistic commentary, pointing out that women in prominent positions who communicate with authority continue to be targets of such behavior.