REP. Paolo Duterte (center). (FB)
DAVAO CITY – Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte hopes the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will be conducted fairly and professionally, saying the proceedings should allow the truth to emerge amid months of accusations and political narratives.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page as the Senate began the impeachment trial on Monday, July 6, Rep. Duterte expressed hopes that the proceedings would be carried out "fairly, professionally, and without unnecessary distractions."
"Filipino people deserve facts, not rumors, as well as evidence, not innuendo and truth, not propaganda," Rep. Duterte said.
He said Vice President Duterte is prepared to face the charges against her and expressed confidence that she will be allowed to answer every allegation through the proper legal process.
"We are confident that she will be allowed to answer every allegation in the proper forum and under the proper process," Rep. Duterte said.
The Davao City lawmaker called on the public to allow the Senate impeachment court to perform its constitutional duty and approach the proceedings with an open mind.
"As the proceedings begin, I ask everyone to allow the Senate impeachment court to do its work and to approach this historic process with an open mind," Duterte said. He added that while political attacks may generate headlines, "only the truth can stand the test of scrutiny."
Rep. Duterte said he remains hopeful that the impeachment trial will not only resolve the issues raised against the Vice President but also reveal the motivations behind the allegations. "Let the evidence speak. Let the facts prevail. Let the truth come out," he said.