Sara thanks defense team, says Phl 'deserves better' after SC win

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday thanked members of her defense team for taking on her impeachment case.

"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the members of the defense team for taking on my case, even when no one else was willing to stand by me," Duterte said in a statement.

She also expressed her gratitude to the petitioners for having the conviction to challenge the abuses of the House of Representatives.

"To those whose voices rang out in dissent against persecution — thank you. Your courage to speak the truth has been a source of strength," Duterte said.

"And to the parents, children, and silent supporters who offered their prayers for justice — thank you. Your quiet faith lifts me up," the vice president added.

Duterte also emphasized that the Philippines “deserves better” leaders, following the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) declaring the articles of impeachment against her as "unconstitutional."

"Our country deserves better, and we shall stand tall, strong, and resilient against leaders whose greed will bring down our homeland. We deserve better," she said.

Voting 13-0, the SC declared the articles of impeachment against Duterte unconstitutional, saying they were barred by the one-year rule under Article XI, Section 3, Paragraph 5 of the Constitution. The high court also found that the articles violated her right to due process.

The vice president's defense team on Tuesday said they are prepared to face any fresh impeachment complaint that may be filed against her next year.

Lawyer Michael Poa, spokesperson for Duterte’s defense team, made the statement Tuesday, following the Supreme Court’s decision junking the fourth impeachment complaint against the vice president over the “one-year bar rule.”

“We’re monitoring the situation closely,” Poa said in a television interview. “If another impeachment complaint is filed after the one-year ban lapses, we will be ready to respond.”

“In fact, the Vice President was eager to answer the allegations head-on. She told us she really wanted to face them directly. We in the defense team had been preparing since February and we were ready," Poa added.