Senate Moves to Summon VP Sara Duterte in Explosive Impeachment Battle!

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​The House of Representatives' panel of prosecutors has filed a motion before the Senate, acting as the Impeachment Court, to compel Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte to respond to the Articles of Impeachment lodged against her. This "Entry with Motion to Issue Summons," signed by Minority Leader and lead prosecutor Marcelino Libanan, seeks to mandate the Vice President to submit her answer within a non-extendible period of 10 days upon receipt of the summons. ​

The motion, underscoring the gravity of the charges, was also endorsed by key members of the prosecution panel, including 1-RIDER party-list Representative Rodge Gutierrez, Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V, and Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun. Libanan, authorized to sign all pleadings on behalf of the House prosecutors, emphasized the necessity of this step to ensure due process and uphold the integrity of the nation's democratic institutions. ​

The impeachment saga began on February 5, 2025, when the House voted overwhelmingly to impeach Vice President Duterte, marking an unprecedented moment in Philippine history as she became the first sitting vice president to face such proceedings. The charges are multifaceted and severe, encompassing allegations of corruption, betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and even a purported plot to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ​

In response to these allegations, Vice President Duterte has mounted a vigorous defense, challenging the impeachment before the Supreme Court. She contends that the proceedings are unconstitutional and politically motivated, aiming to nullify the complaint and halt the Senate trial. ​

This political maelstrom unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the Duterte and Marcos families, once allies during the 2022 elections. The alliance has since deteriorated, culminating in public disputes and mutual recriminations. The situation is further complicated by the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges related to his controversial war on drugs, adding another layer of complexity to the nation's political landscape. ​

As the Senate prepares to commence the impeachment trial, the nation stands at a crossroads, grappling with questions about the future of its leadership and the resilience of its democratic institutions. The outcome of this trial holds profound implications, not only for Vice President Duterte's political career but also for the broader trajectory of Philippine politics.​

In the midst of this unfolding drama, the Filipino people watch intently, hopeful that justice will prevail and that the principles of democracy will be upheld in these testing times.​

Rodrigo Duterte Faces ICC: Explosive Evidence Unveiled – Is This the Endgame?

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​In a historic and unprecedented development, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has initiated formal proceedings against former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, marking a significant chapter in international justice. The case centers on allegations of crimes against humanity, specifically murder, purportedly committed during Duterte's controversial "war on drugs" campaign.​

Arrest and Initial Appearance

On March 11, 2025, Duterte was arrested by Philippine authorities and subsequently transferred to the ICC's custody in The Hague. This action followed the issuance of a warrant of arrest by Pre-Trial Chamber I on March 7, 2025, which was made public on March 11. The warrant was based on findings of reasonable grounds to believe that Duterte is responsible for the crime against humanity of murder, allegedly committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019. ​

Duterte's initial appearance before the ICC took place on March 14, 2025. During this session, the Pre-Trial Chamber verified his identity, informed him of the charges, and outlined his rights under the Rome Statute. The Chamber provisionally scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing for September 23, 2025. ​

Disclosure of Evidence

In preparation for the upcoming hearing, ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC confirmed the disclosure of the first set of evidence to Duterte's defense team. This evidence, comprising 181 confidential items, was disclosed inter partes, ensuring that the suspect is informed of the evidence on which the prosecution intends to rely during the confirmation of charges hearing. The Pre-Trial Chamber I had earlier directed the prosecutor to provide observations and respond to several questions relating to the evidence and witnesses intended to be presented against Duterte. ​

Defense's Position and Legal Challenges

Duterte's defense team, led by former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, has raised concerns regarding the legality of the arrest and the health status of the accused. They have signaled intentions to challenge the ICC's jurisdiction, citing the Philippines' withdrawal from the Rome Statute, which took effect on March 17, 2019. However, the ICC maintains that it retains jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed while the Philippines was a State Party to the Statute. ​

National and International Reactions

The arrest and transfer of Duterte have elicited a spectrum of reactions within the Philippines. Supporters, including family members and political allies, have decried the move as illegal and politically motivated. Notably, Vice President Sara Duterte, Duterte's daughter, labeled the arrest as orchestrated to "demolish political opponents." Conversely, human rights advocates and families of the drug war victims view the ICC's actions as a crucial step toward accountability and justice. ​

Implications for the Philippines

The proceedings against Duterte underscore the ICC's role as a court of last resort, intervening when national jurisdictions are unwilling or unable to prosecute serious international crimes. This case may set a precedent for international accountability, particularly concerning alleged state-led human rights violations. As the confirmation of charges hearing approaches, the international community will closely monitor developments, reflecting on the broader implications for justice and the rule of law globally.​

In summary, the ICC's actions against former President Rodrigo Duterte represent a landmark moment in the pursuit of international justice, highlighting the complexities of jurisdiction, the challenges of political dynamics, and the enduring quest for accountability in the face of alleged human rights atrocities.​

The Duterte Playbook: Lies, Denials, and Political Gaslighting

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It’s a tale as old as the Duterte dynasty: bold, brash statements followed by outright denials. The latest episode in this never-ending saga? Sara Duterte’s contradictory remarks about resignation calls and assassination threats.

On March 23, 2025, Duterte made a striking statement:

"Bakit ba kailangang mag-resign? Dahil hindi mo pinapakita sa taumbayan na maayos kang mag-isip at kaya mo ang mamuno."

A pointed remark that clearly questions someone's competence in leadership. But fast forward two days later, on March 25, and she’s suddenly backpedaling:

"Wala akong sinasabing ever na dapat mag-resign si [Marcos]. Ang sinabi ko lang kahapon, sabi ko, kung nananawagan kayo ng ‘BBM resign,’ bigyan niyo ng rason kung bakit ‘yan ang panawagan ninyo sa kanila."

It’s the same old Duterte playbook—throwing incendiary statements left and right, only to deny and deflect when the heat turns up.

A Pattern of Lies and Deception

This isn’t the first time Sara Duterte has made a controversial claim, only to backpedal when pressed. Remember when she sensationally declared that she had already spoken to someone about assassinating Bongbong Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez if anything happened to her?

Later on, she pulled the classic Duterte Denial Move—claiming it wasn’t an assassination threat, just a misunderstood remark. How convenient.

Sinungaling talaga. It has become her trademark at this point. Maybe it should be her second name—Sara "Liar" Zimmerman Duterte. Bagay, di ba?

Some people may find her responses "witty" or "pilosopo," but those who can read between the lines know better. Her statements would never hold water in any professional setting outside of the political sarswela that is Philippine politics.

Is this really the person we want representing us in discussions with world leaders? Just like her father, Rodrigo Duterte, she will be out of place—an embarrassment to a nation that desperately needs competent leadership.

Gaslighting the Nation

The Duterte brand of governance thrives on gaslighting. They spew outrageous statements, manipulate public perception, and when confronted, they deny, play the victim, or shift the blame. The pattern is all too familiar:

Make a controversial statement (e.g., honesty is not an issue in public service).

Get criticized.

Deny ever saying it.

Accuse the media of twisting their words.

Blame someone else.

Repeat.

It’s pathological. And it runs in the family.

In Bisaya, we have words for people like her: "buwaon" (liar) and "guachi" (a deceitful person who takes advantage of others).

And let’s not forget her diehard supporters—the enablers who act as online attack dogs. These people expect Filipinos to suffer selective amnesia, pretending that the internet isn’t filled with receipts of their lies, contradictions, and hypocrisy.

"They want to make us look stupid by denying everything they’ve said, but in reality, they’re the ones who appear ‘shtoopid’ because there’s a mountain of evidence from mainstream media and social media showing their lies and irrational behavior." —Ason Hipolito

The Duterte Legacy: Cowardice Masquerading as Strength

Sara Duterte loves to act tough, just like her father. But let’s be real—her strength is all for show. In Davao, she thrived on fear and control. But in Manila, where people can actually challenge her, she folds.

We’ve seen this pattern before. The moment she faces real opposition, she backtracks, denies, and plays the victim.

Mana sa tatay—palamura, bastos, sinungaling, at mahilig magbawi ng sinabi.

But Filipinos are no longer fooled. We see through the facade, the gaslighting, the cowardice behind the bravado. The question is:

How much longer will we tolerate it?

*Image from Sunstar