They may have political differences but President Duterte is strongly opposed to moves seeking to impeach Vice President Leni G. Robredo since she has done nothing unlawful.
The President has called on groups behind the impeachment attempt against Robredo to “stop it” and just recognize her mandate as a duly-elected public official.
Duterte argued that Robredo has not committed any overt acts, saying her recent public statements, including criticisms against him, are part of the country’s vibrant democracy.
“We just had an election. Guys, lay off. Let’s stop it. You can do other things but do not tinker with the structure of government. I will not countenance it,” Duterte said in a press conference upon arrival in Manila from his visits to Thailand and Myanmar yesterday.
“Elected ‘yang tao eh. So why do you have to? Just because she keeps on harping on me? Hayaan mo, this is a democracy, freedom of speech. Wala naman…there are no overt acts committed,” he added.
A lawyer allied with the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Jr. recently filed an impeachment complaint against Robredo for alleged betrayal of public trust and violation of the Constitution. In the complaint filed by Oliver Lozano, Robredo has been accused of spreading “fake news” about the country when she sent a video to a United Nations body criticizing the administration’s bloody war on illegal drugs.
The President frowned at the impeachment threat against Robredo, saying it would only disrupt the country’s political stability. He noted that even the military and police are opposed to any sudden political shakeup since it would add more trouble in the country.
“Kakatapos lang ng election. Bakit mo sisirain ang bayan?” Duterte asked the groups seeking to remove Robredo from office. “This is a democracy. Leaders are elected. You don’t have to be son of a b****, it’s the people’s choice.
Remember that,” he added.
He also recognized that Robredo will be his constitutional successor in case something bad happens to him. “Malay mo ako baka hindi na ako magising bukas sa bangungot eh okay na. Siya naman,” he said.
A few days ago, the President accused Robredo of being in a hurry to claim the presidency after being linked to alleged impeachment case filed against him.Duterte said he would not be surprised if Robredo was involved in the plot to unseat him. But he expressed hope that Robredo would not to interfere with his affairs just as he does not meddle in hers.
Robredo has denied any involvement to unseat Duterte.
Asked to comment on Robredo’s United Nations video critical of his drug war, the President said he has not been informed about the matter since he was away from the country for the past few days. (GENALYN D. KABILING)
