MANILA: Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday (April 15) criticised the House Committee on Justice hearing where allegations against her were raised, saying she “personally takes issue” with claims that she needed help to get through law school.
On April 14, the House Committee on Justice continued with its hearings in connection with the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, although she was absent during the session, having previously filed a petition before the Supreme Court to question the legality of the proceedings.
Her alleged “bagman” Ramil Madriaga, whom the House Committee on Justice described as a “key witness,” was present and read a supplemental affidavit that supposedly challenged Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that they had no professional or personal relationship.
Duterte said the claims made during the April 14 hearing regarding her law school performance were false.
“Of all the lies thrown during the Committee on Justice ‘mini trial’ on April 14, the one I personally take issue with is the claim, made by a bar flunker and kidnapping suspect, that I needed someone to help me get through law school,” the vice president said in her statement.
She said she completed her legal studies “on her own terms,” emphasising that she did not seek special academic accommodations and that she prioritised a balanced student life over academic distinction.
Duterte also denied any record of misconduct during her time at the San Sebastian College – Recoletos (SSC-R) College of Law, stating she was never the subject of complaints involving inappropriate behavior toward fellow students.
She added that she graduated in May 2005 and took the Bar Examinations in September of the same year, noting that this had not been done before at SSC-R College of Law until her time.
“The exam that year was relatively difficult. I passed the Bar on my first attempt with a GWA of 80, five points above the minimum,” Duterte said.
Beyond the personal allegations, Duterte criticised the ongoing House proceedings, accusing some members of engaging in abuse and corruption.
“Fellowmen, this mini-trial in the Committee on Justice is true to form for some of its members: abuse and corruption appear to be the only things they are capable of. Let us remember that the first impeachment case itself was marred by allegations of bribery involving members of the HOR, and this second impeachment is no better,” she said.
She also linked the issue to broader governance concerns, alleging that public funds were being “mismanaged” amid “political maneuvering” and pointing to what she described as failures in addressing rising prices and economic hardship.
Duterte is currently facing impeachment complaints in the House over allegations involving the alleged misuse of confidential funds and other claims related to accountability in public office, which she has denied. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
