VP Sara Duterte defends law school record, hits House ‘mini trial’

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday defended her academic record and lashed out at lawmakers, following claims raised during a House committee on justice hearing on the impeachment complaints against her that she described as a “mini trial.”

In a statement, Duterte rejected allegations made by Ramil Madriaga that she needed help to complete law school.

“I completed my studies on my own terms,” she said, disputing claims made during the April 14 hearing. She added that she “never asked any professor for special accommodation” and was never the subject of complaints during her time at San Sebastian College-Recoletos College of Law.

Duterte also underscored her academic credentials, noting that she graduated in May 2005 and took the Bar Examinations in September of the same year—something she said had not been done before at her law school at the time.

“I passed the Bar on my first attempt with a GWA of 80,” she said, adding that this was above the minimum passing mark.

The Vice President went on to criticize her accusers, describing Madriaga as a “bar flunker and kidnapping suspect,” and questioned the credibility of those raising allegations against her.

She also broadened her criticism to the House proceedings, saying the so-called mini trial reflected “abuse and corruption” among some members of the committee on justice.

“This mini-trial… is true to form for some of its members: abuse and corruption appear to be the only things they are capable of,” Duterte said.

Duterte further alleged that ongoing political processes, including impeachment efforts, are being used for political maneuvering rather than accountability.

“The failure of the administration to provide relief in this price crisis is not due to a lack of resources, but because public funds are being used for political maneuvering,” she said.

On Tuesday, Madriaga, a confessed bagman of the Vice President, admitted serving as a "dummy" for bank transactions during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

In his supplemental affidavit, Madriaga said that despite only earning P100,000 to P150,0000 for his services, millions of pesos went through his bank accounts, which were allegedly opened under his name by the former president's "close associates."

He said he also delivered P125 million of the Vice President's confidential funds to three locations in 24 hours upon her instruction. 

Moreover, Madriaga accused the Duterte patriarch of allegedly plotting an assassination—or, if not, a coup—against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. should the latter fail to step down by 2025

In a statement, Atty. Raymund Palad, counsel for Madriaga, called out the Vice President for calling his client ‘bar flunker,’ saying integrity is not measured by the Bar Exams.

“To refer to those who did not pass the Bar Examinations as 'bar flunkers' is not only needlessly insulting; it is a remark that demeans thousands of examinees, as well as the parents, families, and loved ones who stood beside them through years of sacrifice, prayer, and perseverance. Such language is unbecoming of any lawyer. It is all the more disturbing when it comes from no less than the Vice President of the Republic,” he said.

“The Bar Examinations are not the measure of a person's character, dignity, or worth. They are certainly not a license for anyone, least of all a public official, to ridicule those who fell short,” he added.

Palad then said that for a lawyer who scored 80% in the Bar Exams on her first try, as the Vice President described herself, she should know that accountability requires presence.

“Accountability is not performed behind a computer keyboard. It requires courage. It requires showing up and answering serious allegations directly. The Filipino people deserve to hear the truth from her own mouth, not through statements filtered through a computer screen,” the lawyer said.

“If she finally chooses to step out from behind the keyboard, face the public, and answer plainly, then Mr. Ramil Madriaga will be the first to say, ‘Shukran’,” Palad added..—with a report from Llanesca Panti/AOL, GMA News