‘MY FATHER, MY LAWYER’: Ex-President Duterte joining Sara’s legal team draws mix reaction

National

THE move to let former President Rodrigo Duterte join the legal team of his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte against her impeachment complaints has gained mix reactions.

While some lawmakers see no problem with the former president’s decision to defend his daughter as legal counsel, others find it as a “usual tactics” of the Dutertes to set drama and gain sympathy from the public.

Surigao Del Norte Second District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said there’s no problem with Duterte joining VP Sara’s legal team as anyone who is facing trials has the right to choose who will represent her in court.

"Karapatan naman ng kahit sinong humaharap sa isang trial lalo na itong impeachment trial ang pumili ng kanyang abogadong magdidipensa sa kanya and that is guaranteed by not just the Constitution but the rules ng ating Kongreso," Barbers said in a TeleRadyo interview.

VP Sara is facing at least three impeachment complaints for alleged misused of public funds under the Office of the Vice President and during her term as secretary of the Department of Education.

Following the news of old Duterte being part of Sara’s legal team “as collaborating counsel” for all cases, netizens viewed this as an avenue for the father and daughter to make drama to divert the publics attention away from the real issue.

For for some, especially the anti-Dutertes, they expect that the former President will just unleash drama and may even “intimidate the judge.”

“Yeah, he’ll curse everyone and unleash expletives, grab a mic and send it flying. The drama defense,” one netizen said.

“Good! One incompetent lawyer joining the cabal is good news. But brace for his usual theatrics and drama na patok sa mga tambay sa kanto,” another commenter said.(LAO)