Politics · Philippines Bureau
Villanueva challenges Panelo over impeachment criticism
Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joel Villanueva on Wednesday questioned Vice President Sara Duterte's spokesperson Paolo Panelo's criticism of the chamber's response to prosecutors dropping three of four impeachment articles against the Vice President.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Senator Joel Villanueva hit back at Vice President Sara Duterte's spokesperson Paolo Panelo on Wednesday, challenging his characterization of the Senate's reaction to the prosecution's decision to withdraw three impeachment articles against Duterte.
Panelo had questioned what he described as a "lack of outrage" from the Senate following the prosecution's move to drop the articles. Villanueva, serving as Senate Deputy Majority Leader, responded by asking if Panelo expected him to stage a dramatic protest over the development.
"Did you want me to throw a fit?" Villanueva asked, underscoring that the Senate's measured response reflected proper legislative decorum rather than indifference to the matter.
The exchange reflects ongoing tensions surrounding the impeachment proceedings against the Vice President, with differing perspectives on how the Senate should publicly respond to developments in the case. Villanueva's comments suggest that critics of the Senate's stance may be conflating procedural calm with lack of concern.