Solon: Sara Duterte foreign trip amid trial ‘betrayal of public trust’

Vice President Sara Duterte. Photo from Inday Sara Duterte Facebook page. MANILA, Philippines – Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, Jr. on Wednesday criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for embarking on a five-country “personal trip” while she faces an impeachment trial, saying her travel abroad is tantamount to “betrayal of public trust.” In a statement, Abante said Duterte’s foreign trip goes beyond her constitutional mandate as the nation’s second-highest official and displays a blatant disregard in the impeachment process. On Tuesday, Duterte’s office said her July 16 to 31 travel plan includes stops in Qatar, Germany, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland and the Netherlands. The itinerary covers engagements with migrant Filipino workers, it said, adding that the government won’t bankroll the trip. Article continues after this advertisement READ: ICYMI: Day 8 playlist of Sara Duterte impeachment trial “That constitutes betrayal of public trust,” Abante, who endorsed an impeachment complaint against Duterte that was eventually elevated by the House of Representatives to the Senate, said. “She’s highly irresponsible as VP.” He described Duterte’s trip as merely a “junket,” as he rebuked the vice president for prioritizing foreign engagements instead of facing her ouster case in the Senate. “She violated the real intent of the Constitution.” Impeachment is a constitutional remedy that allows Congress to remove high officials who have committed “culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.” “Public officials should demonstrate respect for that process through their actions, especially while the proceedings are ongoing,” Abante said. Article continues after this advertisement Duterte has skipped the proceedings against her so far, instead offering a general denial of wrongdoing as she called efforts to remove her from office as politically motivated. She has remained defiant, though acknowledging the trial may leave her “bloodied but unbowed.” She faces an impeachment trial for accusations that she misused hundreds of millions of pesos in confidential funds, amassed unexplained wealth, bribed officials and threatened the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr, the first lady and a former House speaker. /mr Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.