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Advocates Philippines
Defensor: Impeachment Must Proceed; Breaks And Campaign Season Can't Override A Threat To The President
Photo credit: Congress PH
House Prosecutor Lorenz R. Defensor isn’t mincing words—he believes the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte must push through, no matter the congressional break or the ongoing campaign period. His reasoning? The alleged threat to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is too serious to be sidelined.
“A Direct Threat to the President’s Life”
Speaking on ANC’s Headstart with Karen Davila, Defensor emphasized that the impeachment process cannot be delayed just because Congress is on break or because politicians are busy campaigning.
“There is a threat, a direct threat, to the life of a sitting president by an incumbent vice president,” he stated. “I don’t see how it can be overruled by a break or a campaign. When the Constitution says the trial shall forthwith proceed, that’s clear enough.”
Defensor, a House Deputy Majority Leader, stressed that impeachment proceedings must follow the Constitution’s mandate. He also pointed out that the Senate’s own rules affirm that such trials should proceed without unnecessary delays.
Serious Accusations Demand Urgent Action
The impeachment complaint against Duterte includes an allegation that she sought out someone to assassinate President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
“If you look at Article 1 of the impeachment complaint, there is a threat,” Defensor asserted. “Sabi mismo ng ating bise presidente, may kinausap na siya at pumayag na ang nakausap niya. May taong nakahandang pumatay ng presidente, ng asawa ng presidente, at ng Speaker of the House.”
He warned that this is not just a political issue but a national security concern that affects all Filipinos. “Don’t you think there is a national threat that should be faced, not only by the impeachment court but also by the people who voted—31 million for Sara Duterte and 31 million for Bongbong Marcos?”
A Different Standard for Leaders?
Defensor also addressed critics who claim the impeachment is politically motivated, saying that accountability should apply to all, whether they are ordinary citizens or the highest officials in the land.
He recalled an incident during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term when a teacher was arrested for making a threatening remark.
“That should serve as a lesson to every ordinary Filipino—bakit kapag presidente ang nananakot, okay lang, pero ‘pag pangkaraniwang tao, huhulihin at poposasan?” he asked.
“We Can’t Normalize This Behavior”
Defensor dismissed comparisons between this case and past rhetoric from the former president, arguing that threats of violence should never be treated as normal political speech.
“What we want for this impeachment trial is not to normalize this behavior of just saying, ‘Pwede mong patayin,’” he said.
Defensor: Not All of Congress Supports Duterte
Addressing concerns that Congress is merely following political trends, Defensor pointed out that he has opposed many controversial measures in the past, including the Anti-Terrorism Act and amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act.
“We support the good things he [Duterte] has done, but we also have to take a stand when things are not right,” he said. “And we have the chance to do that right now—to stop this trend of silent following.”
Public Trust is on the Line
At the heart of the impeachment, Defensor argued, is the integrity of the country’s top leaders.
“Dapat mapukaw natin ang mamamayan—ang bise presidente at presidente, they should earn the public trust,” he concluded.
As the impeachment proceedings continue, Defensor’s firm stance suggests that this political battle is far from over.
“A Direct Threat to the President’s Life”
Speaking on ANC’s Headstart with Karen Davila, Defensor emphasized that the impeachment process cannot be delayed just because Congress is on break or because politicians are busy campaigning.
“There is a threat, a direct threat, to the life of a sitting president by an incumbent vice president,” he stated. “I don’t see how it can be overruled by a break or a campaign. When the Constitution says the trial shall forthwith proceed, that’s clear enough.”
Defensor, a House Deputy Majority Leader, stressed that impeachment proceedings must follow the Constitution’s mandate. He also pointed out that the Senate’s own rules affirm that such trials should proceed without unnecessary delays.
Serious Accusations Demand Urgent Action
The impeachment complaint against Duterte includes an allegation that she sought out someone to assassinate President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
“If you look at Article 1 of the impeachment complaint, there is a threat,” Defensor asserted. “Sabi mismo ng ating bise presidente, may kinausap na siya at pumayag na ang nakausap niya. May taong nakahandang pumatay ng presidente, ng asawa ng presidente, at ng Speaker of the House.”
He warned that this is not just a political issue but a national security concern that affects all Filipinos. “Don’t you think there is a national threat that should be faced, not only by the impeachment court but also by the people who voted—31 million for Sara Duterte and 31 million for Bongbong Marcos?”
A Different Standard for Leaders?
Defensor also addressed critics who claim the impeachment is politically motivated, saying that accountability should apply to all, whether they are ordinary citizens or the highest officials in the land.
He recalled an incident during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term when a teacher was arrested for making a threatening remark.
“That should serve as a lesson to every ordinary Filipino—bakit kapag presidente ang nananakot, okay lang, pero ‘pag pangkaraniwang tao, huhulihin at poposasan?” he asked.
“We Can’t Normalize This Behavior”
Defensor dismissed comparisons between this case and past rhetoric from the former president, arguing that threats of violence should never be treated as normal political speech.
“What we want for this impeachment trial is not to normalize this behavior of just saying, ‘Pwede mong patayin,’” he said.
Defensor: Not All of Congress Supports Duterte
Addressing concerns that Congress is merely following political trends, Defensor pointed out that he has opposed many controversial measures in the past, including the Anti-Terrorism Act and amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act.
“We support the good things he [Duterte] has done, but we also have to take a stand when things are not right,” he said. “And we have the chance to do that right now—to stop this trend of silent following.”
Public Trust is on the Line
At the heart of the impeachment, Defensor argued, is the integrity of the country’s top leaders.
“Dapat mapukaw natin ang mamamayan—ang bise presidente at presidente, they should earn the public trust,” he concluded.
As the impeachment proceedings continue, Defensor’s firm stance suggests that this political battle is far from over.
Mar 27, 2025
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