DEPUTY Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union on Monday said Vice President Sara Duterte had ample opportunity to address the allegations against her but “chose to be quiet,” describing it as a political communication failure that may have worsened her situation.
Speaking to reporters in an ambush interview, Ortega said the Vice President could have answered the accusations early on.
“Sabi ko nga she had all of the time, she had the platform, she had the position to defend herself but she chose to be quiet about it and just turn her back,” Ortega said.
“So dapat po sinagot agad ‘yung mga alegasyon na ‘yan at sinagot na ‘yung mga binabato sa kanya then maybe things should have been different,” Ortega said.
Ortega stressed that public officials are held to a higher standard, especially those seeking the highest post in the land.
“Since she is in different light, you put her in a category na where she is running for the highest position in the land. If she wants to be the president, so kung mataas ang tatakbuhin mong position, you are held in higher standard. Kung tatakbo ka wag kang tumakbo, harapin mo,” Ortega said.
Asked to clarify, Ortega maintained he was urging the Vice President to confront the issues head-on. “Kung tatakbo ka, huwag kang tumakbo.”
He added that impeachment proceedings would pass through proper channels and would be tackled “judiciously and sa tamang proseso.”
