Deconstructing the False Dilemma of Vice President Sara Duterte’s Impeachment (Part 2)

 

By Francis Jeus Ibañez 

Justice as Ethical Governance, Not Political Theater

Justice in the Philippines must be more than a punitive reaction—it must be a sustained ethical and political commitment. And in this light, Vice President Duterte represents something often absent in today’s polarized leadership landscape: constitutional restraint coupled with administrative discipline.

Her track record is not mere political decoration:

A legal education that informs her approach to governance

Executive experience as Davao City mayor marked by firm, lawful administration

A leadership style that favors rule-based action over populist theatrics

This is not to say she is beyond scrutiny. No public official is. But to turn her into the central villain in a moral drama robs the public of more pressing institutional reforms and buries the real questions about how to rebuild trust in governance.

If justice is to have any lasting impact, it must be seen not only in the removal of perceived wrongdoers, but in the cultivation of ethical, capable, and constitutionally grounded leadership. That is the real terrain where reform must take root.

The Media’s Role: Between Vigilance and Irresponsibility

Another critical player in this narrative is the media. Some outlets and influencers have irresponsibly claimed that Vice President Duterte has been “cleared” of charges—misstating the legal outcome of the Supreme Court’s procedural dismissal. This misinformation distorts public understanding and reinforces the false dichotomy that impeachment equals justice.

A democratic society cannot thrive on sensationalism. It demands:

Journalistic integrity grounded in factual reporting

Responsible use of digital platforms

An informed, discerning citizenry that values nuance over noise

Misinformation corrodes the very justice it claims to defend. When the lines between legal truth and political spin are blurred, the public loses its compass. We must ask ourselves: are we seeking accountability or simply spectacle?

 Conclusion: Toward a More Mature Constitutional Democracy

Impeachment, as enshrined in the Constitution, is a solemn mechanism meant to protect the republic from true abuses of power—not a partisan tool for discrediting political rivals. Weaponizing it undermines its legitimacy and distracts from the urgent work of rebuilding democratic institutions.

Vice President Sara Duterte is not the threat to justice some claim her to be. On the contrary, she may well be a force for its institutional realization. Her qualifications, legal discipline, and pragmatic leadership present an opportunity to reinforce the constitutional framework too often bypassed in favor of political shortcuts.

The real challenge is not to remove her—it is to rise with her above the political theater and toward a governance that is ethical, constitutional, and transformative.

Let us not confuse accountability with spectacle, or justice with vengeance. The Philippines deserves more than a circus. It deserves a democracy that matures through institutional integrity, not emotional extremism.