PDP slams House "weaponization" of Impeach Probe

MANILA, Philippines — The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) said it was "alarmed" over the "weaponization" of the impeachment process by the House of Representatives Justice Committee against Vice President Sara Duterte. Duterte is the daughter of PDP's chairman-emeritus, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently jailed at International Criminal Court at The Hague where he may stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity for his war against illegal drugs. In a press briefing in Quezon City on Thursday, PDP Deputy Spokesman Ferdinand Topacio said that the commitee, led by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, was converting the summary proceedings into a "trial" for the Vice President. "Both Houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives, cannot formulate its rules that violate the constitution, particularly the due process clause, the right against self incrimination, and the right to remain silent," Topacio, a lawyer, said. Topacio even described the proceedings as a ''kangaroo court" and a "star chamber", meaning a court with no due process. Former PDP senatorial candidate Jimmy Bondoc agreed with Topacio, saying that the jurisdiction of the House committee to conduct a mini trial is "fatally flawed" and "defective," citing the concept of "in dubio pro reo" or "always rule for the accused" "Because it's in favor of the accused, always in favor of Sara who is now an accused, who is in jeopardy and we know they will file cases," Bondoc, a lawyer, said. On Wednesday, the defense team of Duterte said that it was questioning the proceedings of the committee, saying that the Senate has the "sole power" to try impeachment cases.

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