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Advocates Philippines
'Accountability Needs Courage': Lawyer Calls Out VP Duterte
Photo credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines
A lawyer representing impeachment resource person Ramil Madriaga has issued a strong response following Vice President Sara Duterte’s denial of claims about her academic struggles.
In a statement, Raymund P. Palad, Madriaga’s legal counsel, criticized the Vice President’s remarks, particularly her use of the term bar flunker, calling it offensive and dismissive of many who have taken the Bar examinations.
“To refer to those who did not pass the Bar Examinations as ‘bar flunkers’ is not only needlessly insulting; it is a remark that demeans thousands of examinees, as well as the parents, families, and loved ones who stood beside them through years of sacrifice, prayer, and perseverance,” Palad said.
He emphasized that passing or failing the Bar does not define a person’s character or worth, adding that public officials, especially lawyers, should uphold respect in their language.
The lawyer also took aim at Duterte’s earlier statements about her academic record, questioning her approach to accountability amid the ongoing House proceedings.
“One would expect that a lawyer who obtained a ‘GWA’ of 80%, with no decimal at that, would understand that accountability is not performed behind a computer keyboard,” Palad said in his statement.
Palad further stressed that accountability requires direct engagement, especially when facing serious allegations before Congress.
“Accountability requires presence. It requires courage. It requires showing up and answering serious allegations directly. The Filipino people deserve to hear the truth from her own mouth, not through statements filtered through a computer screen,” he added.
The statement comes as tensions continue to rise between the Vice President’s camp and figures involved in the impeachment proceedings, with both sides exchanging pointed remarks over credibility, accountability, and the rule of law.
In a statement, Raymund P. Palad, Madriaga’s legal counsel, criticized the Vice President’s remarks, particularly her use of the term bar flunker, calling it offensive and dismissive of many who have taken the Bar examinations.
“To refer to those who did not pass the Bar Examinations as ‘bar flunkers’ is not only needlessly insulting; it is a remark that demeans thousands of examinees, as well as the parents, families, and loved ones who stood beside them through years of sacrifice, prayer, and perseverance,” Palad said.
He emphasized that passing or failing the Bar does not define a person’s character or worth, adding that public officials, especially lawyers, should uphold respect in their language.
The lawyer also took aim at Duterte’s earlier statements about her academic record, questioning her approach to accountability amid the ongoing House proceedings.
“One would expect that a lawyer who obtained a ‘GWA’ of 80%, with no decimal at that, would understand that accountability is not performed behind a computer keyboard,” Palad said in his statement.
Palad further stressed that accountability requires direct engagement, especially when facing serious allegations before Congress.
“Accountability requires presence. It requires courage. It requires showing up and answering serious allegations directly. The Filipino people deserve to hear the truth from her own mouth, not through statements filtered through a computer screen,” he added.
The statement comes as tensions continue to rise between the Vice President’s camp and figures involved in the impeachment proceedings, with both sides exchanging pointed remarks over credibility, accountability, and the rule of law.
Apr 15, 2026
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