Sara still unfazed by legal storm

Proposed impeachment trial timetable

June 2: Resumption of session; presentation of Articles of Impeachment by prosecutors

June 3: Convening of the impeachment court and oath-taking of incumbent senator-judges

June 4: Issuance of summons

June 14 to 24: Reception of pleadings

June 24 to July 25: Pre-trial

July 28: Inaugural session of the Senate of the 20th Congress

July 29: Oath-taking of newly elected senator-judges

July 30: Start of trial

MANILA, Philippines — Banking on her “loyalty to truth” and the “sincerity” of her supporters, Vice President Sara Duterte said she remains unfazed by the legal and political storms she is facing.

Duterte made an unannounced public appearance in Cebu yesterday to meet and greet her supporters.

The Vice President said she was making rounds in Cebu to thank her supporters and those of her family.

“I need to be here to thank Cebuanos. As a Cebuana – my father’s and mother’s ancestors, they were from Cebu, in Tuburan, Danao and other municipalities – I have to see them and personally thank them,” she said in the local dialect.

Duterte, however, did not entertain queries about her impeachment saying she’d rather let her legal team speak on the matter.

However, she stressed that she’s taking everything in stride because of her trust in herself and her belief in the truth. “I’m very thankful for having this opportunity to spend time with the people of Cebu, and not just of Cebu,” she said.

Meanwhile, Duterte also urged voters to stand united for prosperity as the country faces another election cycle.

She said voters should listen to candidates’ promises, scrutinize their accomplishments and look beyond prominent names.

“Don’t vote candidates just because of their names. Don’t vote anyone just because he or she is a Duterte. Check their accomplishments, and what’s important is having a track record of fulfilling promises,” she said. — Neil Jayson Servallos