OVP ready for SC ruling on impeach appeal

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s 16-member defense team is ready for the Supreme Court’s decision on the appeal in her impeachment case.

The high court earlier ruled as unconstitutional the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte.

Reversal of the ruling is being sought by the House of Representatives as it probes the Vice President for graft and corruption, stemming from education funds spent on confidential and intelligence activities that are difficult to audit.

“The legal team… feels more relieved now, but at the same time continues to prepare,” said Ruth Castelo, spokesperson for the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

Another impeachment complaint against Duterte is expected to be filed after the one-year ban, she noted.

Meanwhile, Castelo assured the public of transparency in the utilization of the OVP budget.

“Remember that the Vice President is also a lawyer so she’s very mindful. She’s very much aware of what is allowed and not allowed under the law, so in terms of transparency, it’s an open book. It’s a public record. If they want to scrutinize it, they may do so,” Castelo said.

Duterte is expected to return to the Philippines after her trip to The Hague, Netherlands to visit detained former president Rodrigo Duterte, Castelo noted.

“This month, she has scheduled engagements, like this event in Bicol,” Castelo said.

The Vice President earlier said that she plans to visit Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo during the celebration of the Peñafrancia Festival this month.

“There will be sectoral gatherings (to discuss) issues in Bicol and I’m sure, it is also a victim of corruption in the projects of the government,” Duterte said in a recent interview in The Hague.

Duterte also met with Robredo at last year’s Peñafrancia.

“We have yet to make our schedule but yes, we want to meet local government officials, not only Naga, the entire Bicol region, if the schedule permits. We will be there to celebrate with the Bicolanos, to pray with the Bicolanos at their biggest festival,” Duterte added.