By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte is facing separate legal proceedings over the same controversial episode, with her criminal case before a Quezon City court proceeding independently of the impeachment case being heard by the Senate.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the two cases have different legal processes and should not be treated as determining the outcome of each other.
“This is my personal opinion; it has no effect on me and on the impeachment trial,” Gatchalian said in a radio interview.
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court earlier found probable cause to pursue three counts of grave threats against Duterte stemming from her 2024 remarks involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The court later issued a warrant for her arrest, after which Duterte posted P360,000 bail.
Gatchalian emphasized that the finding of probable cause does not constitute a judgment of guilt.
“The court had determined that there was probable cause and there will be a hearing. But it doesn’t necessarily mean she’s already guilty and that the court already has a verdict,” he said.
The separate impeachment proceedings before the Senate stem from allegations contained in the complaint against Duterte, including accusations of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.
The House prosecution panel has completed its presentation of evidence on the fourth article of the impeachment complaint, bringing the proceedings closer to the stage where Duterte’s defense will present its own evidence.
The senator also said Duterte’s reported concerns about her personal security should be taken seriously, regardless of the legal proceedings against her.
“Everyone, including the vice president, should feel safe,” Gatchalian said.
The criminal case will continue before the Quezon City court, while the Senate impeachment proceedings will follow their separate constitutional process.
ia/xf
