Sara Duterte's criminal case separate from impeachment, says solon

MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives prosecutor and Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said that the criminal case against Vice President Sara Duterte is separate from her impeachment proceedings, noting that the prosecution panel will continue to press on. Ridon on Friday said that the arrest warrant against Duterte is “not, by itself, a precursor to the impeachment proceedings,” and that the prosecution panel will continue to press on. The statement comes amid speculation that the legal proceedings against the Vice President are politically motivated. The lawmaker clarified that criminal justice proceedings should run independently and be judged on different standards than impeachment processes. The political landscape in the Philippines is often scrutinized for the political influence of Vice President Duterte and her family, as well as their relationship with the current administration. This statement suggests an effort to maintain the independence of legal proceedings amidst these complex dynamics. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo