Politics · Philippines Bureau
Padilla urges extension of presidential immunity to VP Duterte
Senator Robin Padilla has called for Vice President Sara Duterte to receive the same immunity from suit granted to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as she faces serious criminal charges. Padilla argues that while the 1987 Constitution does not explicitly extend such protections to the vice president, the principle should apply equally.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has advocated for expanding presidential immunity provisions to cover Vice President Sara Duterte, who is currently facing grave threats charges. During Monday's Senate session, Padilla presented a manifestation supporting the extension of legal protections that shield sitting presidents from civil and criminal suits.
Padilla noted that while the 1987 Philippine Constitution does not explicitly state that a vice president enjoys immunity from suit, the legal framework applicable to the president could reasonably extend to the country's second-highest executive official. He argued that granting such protection would align with constitutional principles regarding executive immunity.
The senator's position comes as Duterte faces mounting legal challenges, including complaints related to statements she made regarding threats to President Marcos and other officials. The vice president has maintained her commitment to performing her duties despite the allegations.
The move reflects ongoing constitutional debates in the Philippines regarding the scope of immunity granted to high government officials. Legal scholars have differing views on whether immunity provisions in the Constitution should be interpreted broadly to include the vice presidency or remain narrowly confined to the presidency as literally stated.