Leila de Lima Pushes for Impeachment of VP Sara Duterte

Former senator Leila de Lima stated on Monday evening that the time has come to file an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discouraging such an action. The civilian-drafted impeachment complaint was endorsed by Akbayan party-list Representative Perci Cendaña and was submitted by civil society organizations and families of victims from the "tokhang" campaign.

 According to De Lima, "From the perspective of the group of complainants, this is the time. This is the right time. When else? What more should we wait for? Should we wait for the next elections?" She expressed these sentiments during an interview on TeleRadyo Serbisyo's Johnson Ikwento Mo.

 De Lima further questioned, "The main question here is, do we deserve such a vice president? How long should we endure her behavior? The actions she displays to us and to the world are unworthy. It is unprecedented for such a high official to behave this way, feeling untouchable, believing she is above the law, able to make threats and exhibit tantrums that verge on criminal behavior."

 Among those filing the complaint were Teresita Quintos Deles, Fr. Flaviano Villanueva, SVD, Fr. Robert Reyes, Randy Delos Santos (the uncle of Tokhang victim Kian Delos Santos), and Francis Aquino Dee, among others. De Lima served as the spokesperson for this group.

 Despite President Marcos's discouragement regarding impeaching Duterte, De Lima asserted that the civilian group believes this action demonstrates to the public that no one is above the law. She stated, "We believe this is a way to truly show the people that no one can be above the law, our Constitution, or accountability issues."

 De Lima emphasized that citizens cannot remain hostage to uncertainty and ambiguity in leadership, noting that this initiative is purely from private citizens. She denied personal vendetta against the Duterte family, clarifying, "I have no intention of seeking revenge. That is not in my character." She acknowledged that her lawyers had previously considered filing cases against Mr. Duterte and his associates for allegedly fabricating cases against her.

"I clarify that my intentions are not vengeful but rather seek justice for the injustices done to me," she added. "In this impeachment process, why would I use it for vengeful purposes? I feel that this group of complainants deserves my support because what they are doing—holding the vice president accountable—is right."