Opposition senators: Duterte’s VP run in Eleksyon 2022 ‘bends Constitution,’ won’t save him from ICC probe

Opposition senators on Thursday said President Rodrigo Duterte’s possible vice presidential bid in next year’s polls can be seen as “bending” the 1987 Constitution but won’t guarantee him immunity from the International Criminal Court’s investigation.

In separate statements, Senator Risa Hontiveros and Leila de Lima questioned Duterte’s move after the Chief Executive announced on Wednesday that he is “sold on the idea” of running for vice president in the upcoming polls.

“Sana magdalawang-isip si Presidente diyan. It simply flies in the face of the constitutional provisions na dapat alam nila bilang isang abogado rin,” Hontiveros said in a text message.

(We hope that he will think twice on this decision. It simply flies in the face of constitutional provisions which he should be knowledgeable about since he is a lawyer.)

She then asked if there are programs implemented under Duterte’s term that need to be continued by the next administration.

“Natupad na ba niya yung mga pangako niya less than 365 days left to go. Even the program, the Build Build Build, it’s fallen far short, has been attended by other issues, for example, the loans, and the [Official Development Assistance] from China, we don't want any midnight deals here. Baka nire-revoke na yung ibang mga proyekto na hindi maitutuloy, hindi makukumpleto but many of these should pass through clear legislative scrutiny,” she said.

(Did he keep his promises with less than 365 days left to go? Even the program, the Build Build Build, it’s fallen far short has been attended by other issues, for example, the loans, and the [Official Development Assistance] from China, we don't want any midnight deals here. They might revoke some of the projects that are not feasible or might not be completed but many of these should pass through clear legislative scrutiny.)

“Do they take on feasible projects off the list to include non-infra projects, non-physical infra projects for example, like the National ID System and then simply credit-grabbing from previous administrations by simply stamping BBB on them. So is this the kind of legacy that the President wants to continue with a second term? I don't think bending the Constitution is at all a proper way to go here,” she added.

De Lima, on the other hand, said Duterte’s possible vice presidential run in 2022 will not save him from possible prosecution before the ICC.

“It is really for another six years of being an official who, albeit not immune, can only be removed by impeachment. He thinks he can escape the ICC and accountability for his crimes against humanity by becoming a VP this time,” she said in a statement sent to GMA News’ Victoria Tulad.

De Lima explained that the ICC does not recognize either immunity or impeachability in going after those who are accused before their courts.

“Its jurisdiction is comprehensive in that way. So if impeachability does not protect Duterte from the ICC, why still bother to even become a VP? He is still going to be arrested and dragged in chains to The Hague anyway,” she said.

The detained senator further twitted Duterte saying Filipinos only vote for him because of his entertainment value. She then suggested that the President to just enter the show business as Filipinos are fond of comedians.

Be saved from ICC prosecution?

De Lima’s statement is contrary to Senator Imee Marcos’ claim that Duterte’s run for VP will save him from ICC’s prosecution.

“Last year ko pa sinasabing dapat tumakbong VP si PRRD. Ayoko siyang maabutan ng panggulong mga ICC na nanghihimasok sa atin!” she said.

(Since last year, I have been pushing PRRD to run for VP. I don’t want him to be chased by the ICC which interferes with our local issues.)

For Marcos, it is important that Duterte will be defended and protected in the following years to ensure “unity and development” in the country.

Meanwhile, Senator Sonny Angara said Duterte would be the “leading candidate” should he decide to run for the position.

He noted that it is the first time in history that a sitting president will run for vice president.

“He would be the leading candidate if he decides to run for that position; kung Di ako nagkakamali unang beses sa ating kasaysayan na ang incumbent president will run for VP,” Angara told GMA News Online.

(If I am not mistaken, this is the first time in history that an incumbent president will run for VP.)

Duterte is being pushed by his party—PDP-Laban— to seek the vice presidential post in the 2022 national and local elections.

The party members also asked Duterte to field a viable candidate for presidency.

Duterte pushed his former aide and now senator Bong Go to run for president but the latter declined, saying he has no ambitions to take the country’s top post. — RSJ, GMA News