House prosecutors have issued a stern warning against what they describe as a spreading 'culture of threats,' emphasizing that government officials must serve as role models because their actions and words influence the public.
Prosecutors highlight purpose of impeachment case
Impeachment prosecutor and Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon stated that the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte aims to address not only the alleged grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez, but also the normalization of threats in society.
Ridon stressed that accountability should be applied equally to everyone who engages in threats, whether they are officials or their supporters. 'This is about upholding the rule of law and ensuring that no one is above it,' he said.
Seriousness of allegations underscored
Manila Representative Joel Chua, another House prosecutor, emphasized that the allegations are serious because the alleged threats were directed against the President of the Republic. 'It is crucial to show that such behavior has no place in public service,' Chua said.
Deputy Speaker Janette Garin noted that the issue being heard in the impeachment court involves alleged death threats, which she said cannot be considered a simple misunderstanding. She urged government officials to foster proper dialogue and serve as exemplars to the public.
'We must demonstrate that threats are not a normal part of political discourse,' Garin added.
Call for accountability and good governance
The prosecutors collectively called for a culture of accountability and respect in governance. Ridon reiterated that the impeachment trial is a mechanism to address serious misconduct and to deter future offenses. 'This is not just about one case; it is about setting a precedent for how we conduct public service,' he said.
