Families of drug war victims in Caloocan City joined protests on Monday, July 6, calling for the conviction of Vice President Sara Duterte as her impeachment trial began. The demonstrators, including members of the group Rise Up for Life and for Rights, are demanding accountability for human rights abuses and corruption, according to reports from the scene.
Charges Against Vice President Sara Duterte
The Vice President faces a trial based on several allegations, including death threats directed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House speaker Martin Romualdez. The proceedings also address the alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and the bribery of public officials.
Rubilyn Litao, coordinator for Rise Up for Life and for Rights, stated that the families are praying for the truth to emerge regarding the leadership of the Dutertes. Litao told reporters that their leadership style is “worrisome” due to a lack of respect for the law and human rights.
Caloocan City as a Drug War Hotspot
Caloocan became a center for extrajudicial killings during the drug war, a situation highlighted by the 2017 police killing of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos. Former mayor and current 1st District Representative Oscar Malapitan had previously declared an “all-out war” against drugs in the city in June 2016.
This local approach mirrored the platform of then-president-elect Rodrigo Duterte, who promised to end crime within three to six months. However, Rodrigo Duterte admitted in 2019 that the drug war was a failure.
Case Studies in Judicial Delay and Forgery
Rodrigo Baylon spent six years fighting to correct his nine-year-old son Lenin’s death certificate. Police initially cited bronchopneumonia as the cause of death after the child was hit by a stray bullet in a computer shop in Camarin. The Court of Appeals eventually affirmed the child died of gunshot wounds.
Similarly, Emily Soriano and Gretchen Espinosa lost sons, Angelito Soriano and Sonny Espinosa, on December 28, 2016. Both were killed by unidentified men in Bagong Silang. Nearly a decade later, the perpetrators of these killings have not been held accountable.
Allegations of Oplan Tokhang Implementation
The Vice President’s alleged involvement in the drug war extends to her time as mayor of Davao City. Former Davao Death Squad member Arturo Lascañas alleged in an ICC affidavit that Sara Duterte implemented Oplan Tokhang in the city. The Vice President has categorically denied these claims.
Emily Soriano noted that the Vice President continued to support her father’s drug war despite the mounting deaths of civilians. For these families, the impeachment trial and the ICC trial in The Hague represent critical steps toward justice.
Potential Legal and Political Outcomes
If the Senate impeachment court convicts the Vice President, she could be barred from ever holding public office again. This outcome would permanently remove her from the political landscape.
Additionally, the group Rise Up for Life and for Rights is urging senator-judges to side with the truth. The group is also attempting to record more documents and accounts from drug war families to support ongoing accountability efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific charges in the impeachment trial?
The Vice President is on trial for alleged death threats against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House speaker Martin Romualdez, as well as alleged bribery, unexplained wealth, and misuse of confidential funds.
How many people died in the drug war according to official data?
According to government data, at least 6,252 people died in police operations from July 1, 2016, to May 31, 2022.
What did Arturo Lascañas allege regarding the Vice President?
In an affidavit submitted to the ICC, Lascañas alleged that Sara Duterte implemented Oplan Tokhang while she was mayor of Davao City.