Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of being complicit in the allegedly illegal arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, calling it a betrayal of public trust.
During a campaign rally in Kidapawan City on May 6, VP Duterte said Marcos’ actions constituted “an impeachable offense.” She emphasized, “It’s a culpable violation of the institution and betrayal of public trust.”
She further accused the administration of allowing foreign entities to meddle in the country’s sovereignty. “They allowed a foreign jurisdiction to intervene in our national sovereignty,” she said, without specifying which country.
The Vice President’s statement came as the Office of the Ombudsman gave five high-ranking government officials 10 days to explain their involvement in the arrest of the former president.
The officials under scrutiny include Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, and Special Envoy for Transnational Crime Markus Lacanilao.
Based on a report submitted by Senator Imee Marcos to the Ombudsman, the five officials could face charges for violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, arbitrary detention, usurpation of judicial functions, grave misconduct, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the public service.
The controversy has intensified the political divide within the Duterte-Marcos alliance, drawing national attention.
