PDP-Laban denounces Sara arrest warrant

MANILA, Philippines — The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP)-Laban has denounced the issuance of a warrant of arrest against Vice President Sara Duterte, calling it an “assault” on the legitimate political opposition.

It pointed to the fact that the arrest warrant was issued by a regional trial court judge recently appointed by President Marcos.

“The blatant attempt to decimate the political opposition is disingenuous yet obvious: appoint people beholden to the present administration to key positions in government agencies and use these agencies as weapons of mass harassment against those who dare oppose the prevailing corruption masterminded by the Palace,” PDP-Laban national spokesman Ferdinand Topacio said.

He urged the people to maintain their support “to the leaders of their choice” and resist the imposition of those that have been repudiated and “stand fast against the forces of dictatorship.”

However, House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V said the issuance of the arrest warrant only means that Duterte should now confront the charges through the judicial process available to every accused.

Ortega said Duterte will have every opportunity to dispute the charges, question the prosecution’s evidence and avail herself of the remedies provided under the Rules of Court.

He said the development should therefore be allowed to proceed according to law, with the court ultimately determining criminal liability after hearing the evidence of both the prosecution and the defense.

For his part, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon told Duterte to stop portraying her arrest as a threat to her safety and instead address the grave threats charges against her through the proper legal process.

Ridon made the statement after Duterte repeatedly expressed fears for her life after arriving at the Quezon City Hall of Justice yesterday to post bail.

Meanwhile, former press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Duterte’s supporters will remember the warrant of arrest against Duterte as oppression.

In a short video uploaded by Bilyonaryo News Channel, Angeles said, “History might not be a very kind judge because we will remember.”

“We will remember this, it is all on record and there will be people who would attest, there will be people who will stand with this, to all of these events and we’ll interpret them as oppression. So good luck in 2028,” she added. — Evelyn Macairan