MANILA: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the rule of law by filing criminal charges against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, emphasizing that this action is part of their constitutional mandate, irrespective of political affiliations.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil made a statement in response to allegations from Vice President Duterte, who claimed that the PNP is being used to politically harass her. Marbil stated, “The PNP remains committed to its mandate to enforce the law without fear or favor. The filing of cases against any individual, regardless of status or political affiliation, is a reflection of our duty to the constitution and the Filipino people.”
The charges, which include direct assault, disobedience to authority, and grave coercion, were filed last week against Duterte, her head of security, and others. These charges are connected to an incident on November 23 at Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC)
in Quezon City. The allegations suggest that Duterte and her security team interfered with police efforts to execute a House of Representatives order to bring her chief of staff, lawyer Zuleika Lopez, to VMMC.
Lopez, who was under a contempt citation, was reportedly taken to St. Luke’s Medical Center following Duterte’s intervention. On Saturday, the House permitted Lopez to leave VMMC.
Additionally, one of Duterte’s security officials, Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, faces accusations of assaulting a PNP doctor. Gen. Marbil further remarked, “If we do not file cases against those accused, what will people say? Takot ang pulis, pang-mahirap lang ang pangil ng batas (That policemen are afraid, that the law only applies to the poor?) We cannot allow such perceptions to take root. Our duty is to apply the law to everyone, regardless of their standing, because justice is not selective.”