LEADERS from the “Young Guns” bloc of the House of Representatives dismissed Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that she is being targeted through an “Arnie Teves playbook,” calling it another ‘budol’ and desperate attempt to deflect attention from serious allegations against her, including threats to national leaders and potential violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Vice President Duterte compared her situation to that of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., who was designated a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council. She alleged that authorities are using the same tactics to freeze her properties and assets.
In a Thursday press conference, House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun dismissed Duterte’s claim, saying her troubles stem solely from her own actions.
“Again, this is another statement of the Vice President na sana pag-isipan nyang mabuti dahil iniisip niya na may grand scheme,” Khonghun said. “Pero actually, ito ang resulta ng kanyang pinaggagawa at pinagsasabi.”
Khonghun stressed that it is up to the justice system to determine Duterte’s accountability.
“Nakita naman natin ang batas na ipinasa [laban] sa terorism at nakita naman natin meron siyang (Duterte) violation doon. Pero kailangan nating hayaan ang Department of Justice, ang NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), at ang ating law enforcement units na mag-imbestiga,” he said.
“Kung nakita nila may nilabag, nararapat lang na file-an talaga siya ng kaso,” Khonghun added.
Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V went further, directly blaming Duterte for the situation.
“Hindi ito playbook ng ibang tao. Playbook niya ito. Kasi siya lang po ang nagtangkang gumawa na tangkain na patayin ang ating Pangulo, ang First Lady, at ating Speaker,” Ortega asserted.
Ortega’s remarks referenced allegations that Duterte had issued death threats against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
Khonghun urged Duterte to take responsibility for her actions and not deflect attention from the issues at hand.
“Kung may nilabag sa batas, kailangan siyang papanagutin,” Khonghun said. (END)
