PRESIDENTIAL Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Secretary Larry Gadon on Wednesday filed a disbarment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte before the Supreme Court (SC), urging the High Court to initiate a motu proprio proceeding.
Gadon, a disbarred lawyer himself, cited Duterte’s recent pronouncements against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as grounds for disbarment.
“Such statements coming from the second highest official of the land, seen and heard by millions of Filipinos, are undoubtedly illegal, immoral, and condemnable,” Gadon stated in a letter to the SC. “As a lawyer herself, she should be disbarred.”
Gadon also called for Duterte’s resignation, warning that she would likely face impeachment in the next Congress.
“Mag-resign siya. Dahil sinisiguro ko, siguradong-sigurado ako, na sa next Congress siya ay i-impeach,” he said.
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has been contacted for comment and this story will be updated once a response is received.
Gadon further threatened to file impeachment cases against all Supreme Court justices if they fail to take action on his complaint.
Gadon, who ran as a senator under the Marcos-Duterte UNITEAM in the 2022 elections, expressed regret for supporting Duterte.
“Hindi ko naman akalain na ganyan pala sila. Yung statements ni VP Sara, napaka-immature. Kulang na kulang sa statesmanship at saka hindi siya nag-aaral,” he said.
This latest complaint comes on the heels of an anonymous complaint filed with the Supreme Court seeking Duterte’s disbarment for her remarks about exhuming the remains of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and disposing of them in the West Philippine Sea.
Two earlier disbarment cases against Duterte, stemming from her actions as Davao City Mayor in 2011, are still pending before the Supreme Court.
Gadon’s actions have sparked controversy, with many questioning the motives behind his accusations and the potential impact on the political landscape. The Supreme Court’s response to these complaints will be closely watched as it navigates the delicate balance between upholding the law and maintaining the integrity of the judiciary.
