House Justice Panel describe petition by Duterte allies as "diversionary tactic"

MANILA, Philippines - Some members of the House Justice Committee said that the petition filed by the lawyers allied with Vice President Sara Duterte that stops the ongoing impeachment hearings described the move as a "diversionary tactic" designed to deflect from the proceedings. The group, led by Israelito Torreon, filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition at the Supreme Court, saying that the panel "overstepped its constitutional gatekeeping role by allowing defective complaints against Duterte to proceed and conducting subpoena-driven evidentiary proceedings that resemble a trial," In a statement, Bico Saro Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon said that the petition "will not stop the resolve of the House Committee on Justice to exact accountability for the serious allegations against her, including the misuse of confidential funds, the issuance of death threats against the President and other public officials, and unexplained wealth and related violations," "The subpoena of documents relevant to the grounds for impeachment is well within the authority of the House Committee on Justice under the 1987 Constitution and the House Rules on Impeachment, both of which expressly allow the conduct of hearings in aid of impeachment proceedings," Ridon said. Meanwhile, Mamamayang Liberal Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima said that Duterte is "showing signs of desperation" in trying to evade accountability. "May pa-"bloodbath, bloodbath" pang sinasabi noon. Sa simpleng committee hearing nga ay takot na takot ngayon (She is saying a bloodbath, but she is scared of attending a simple committee hearing)," de Lima said.

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