By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Malacañang maintained a neutral position in response to the testimony made by Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte before the Senate Impeachment Court on Tuesday.
This, as Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro deferred the verdict on the credibility of the statements made by Mayor Duterte to for the senator-judges and the citizenry to decide on.
Usec. Castro, however, underscored the importance of having personal knowledge on matters concerning one’s area of jurisdiction, and called on other local chief executives to not turn a blind eye to what’s happening within their localities.
“Pero ang isang mayor o kahit sinumang leader o pinuno—kapag ikaw ay may sakop sa isang ahensiya o sa isang organisasyon, masabi na natin, pati mga areas or bansa mismo, hindi po maaaring basta masabi na walang alam, hindi inaalam o walang pakialam.”
She also urged Filipinos to refrain from jumping to conclusions and judging the Vice President’s younger brother based on his own statements—instead encouraging them to let the justice system do the work.
Last week, Mayor Duterte was subpoenaed to testify in the hearing of Article II of the Articles of Impeachment, which aims to probe into the unexplained wealth accumulated by Sara Duterte that dates back to her tenure as mayor of Davao City.
During Tuesday’s session, he denied having personal knowledge of her sister’s connections with GenCorp., but confirmed having business ties with entrepreneur Jaime Cruz.
Usec. Castro concluded, “Kung may liability si Mayor Baste Duterte, hindi tayo ang maghuhusga dito, maybe taong bayan dahil ang pinuno ay hindi dapat na manatili na laging walang alam or laging walang pakialam.” (with report from Vel Custodio | PTV News)
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