Inside the Sara Duterte impeachment: A legal analysis with Atty. Dino Singson De Leon | The Spokes

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[00:00:49]Heat. Heat.

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[00:01:56]Good morning. I'm former Secretary Edun Shera from Pinoy's administration.

[00:02:06]Sorry poorn morning. I'm former secretary Nanag Salud Bagansa, President Gloria Mapagaloyos administration and we are the spokes >> from the panels and to our group chance now we'll give you perspectives from an insider's position standing behind the podium on today's noted by the spokes. Senate Impeachment Court subpoenas versus VP Sah Dutertes financial records documents, bank records envelope, second envelope. Exciting probably. Or this is not the No, this is not this is going to be their last two weeks ago at auto impeachment hearings. They the prosecution also already asked for this.

[00:03:19]>> Yes.

[00:03:21]uh the presiding officer, Senator Jesus, time to argue and for the first time defense yesterday. It was very educational to me. Legally, you won. Politically you lost >> but morally uh we should call for transformation that each and every public servant impeachable or not should be transparent in their business dealings before they enter public service especially in the midst of this flood control problem.

[00:04:05]I was thinking this is already the second time that the financial records are being brought up.

[00:04:11]>> Yes. during time. You know, maybe the Senate and the Congress should come up with the laws making impeachment as an exception except in cases of impeachment.

[00:04:35]I I agree with you, but you know there are 120 million Filipinos and less than 5,000 are elected or appointed officials. So that's a very small percentage. So the law should be special as far as public servants are concerned in terms of transparency, business dealings, economic activities income based on their sal during their time and term.

[00:05:02]>> So in other words, and we owe we owe this to the Filipino people. The reason why I'm asking for batas except in cases of impeachment cuz these are the high public officials vice president members of the church impeachable officers.

[00:05:25]I I I agree with you freedom of information.

[00:05:37]I'll I'll tell you this problem of FOI is it's adverse against the interests of the congressmen >> and the politician of politicians that was a problem we had during our time.

[00:05:47]>> Yes.

[00:05:48]FOIs are always done by executive order.

[00:05:51]In so far as executive branch, we are open. But if you make it the law parameters, they're very very worry putting out.

[00:06:00]>> If you're saying this will be legislated, it should include everyone.

[00:06:06]There has to be some exceptions. Let's put out the FOIA now.

[00:06:10]>> Yes. Yes. Yes. Okay. Okay. But I hope it passes. Okay. Congress.

[00:06:16]Anyway, Nani, it's your turn. Thank you, Edwin. Also noted by the spokes, a Philippine Navy sailor.

[00:06:26]A Philippine Navy sailor sustained head injury after being struck with a wooden baton by a China coast guard.

[00:06:37]Yeah.

[00:06:39]Look, look, the narrative is getting bigger and bigger. It's getting more violent at this point. uh una they claim the n they say the nine dash line justifies the >> by the way it's no longer nine >> it's 10 student they now included batanes yes >> as part of the territory west Philippines Anyway, aggressive aggressive China Coast Guard.

[00:07:30]I mean, you know, China is not known to be aggressive way way back, but now they are an economic power. They are a political power. They're now exercising restraint. They fish not only in in Asia but also in Latin America.

[00:07:48]>> They claim uh small islands bounded by them and Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines. So in other words, muscle flexing again. Don't don't get this China when they lost that ruling but again based on the constitution we will resolve conflicts not through wall but through diplomacy correct >> so part of doing that is going to the clause which we want >> basically and I think another case should be filed against them >> may claim justice Yes, let's sue them for damages.

[00:08:46]I think he guested here, but let's sue them for damages.

[00:08:50]It's it's a novel theory. I don't know if you know probably that's the main reason. So now muscle flexing, but they also do it in adult country. So this is beyond that already. But at the same time that decision of also favors but anyway the department of national defense welcomely condemns the latest violence and harassment committed by China so this is beyond diplomacy already and you know the country but again we are a peaceful loving people. So again, our foreign diplomacy must first and foremost protect our interest as a country. Mr. Chinese people are using we're asymmetrical. Our relationship as asymmetrical. We're not a superpower.

[00:09:52]You're a superpower. And the more that you do that, you're really viewed as bullies. You got a lot of soft power films.

[00:10:02]You're showing to the Filipinos your hard power. You're not going to endear yourselves to the Filipinos. So that's that's I think a very bullish tactic and and you know international tourist. This guy apparently from China all of a sudden said PIPI Philippine Islands their arrogance is beyond their army.

[00:10:37]Okay, these are the headlines noted by the spokes. Up next is one of the most vocal legal commentators on key political issues when the spokes return after this short break.

[00:11:06]Oh oh oh oh.

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[00:12:31]agenda video games influence online content and the spokes is back with the con convenor of Vanti Sanado a civic group that closely monitors the impeachment proceedings.

[00:13:12]Uh welcome at he's a partner of the Dargon Law Office. So welcome welcome okay. So yes yes last night I was watching you Robin Padilia.

[00:13:36]Why were you bashing him so much? Well, disappoint China usually the one that is speaking up against uh the aggressive actions of China and you know Edwin I I finished my masters of law national security law one of the things that um one of the things strategy China um in the West Philippine Sea they will win the West Philippine Sea without firing a single shot.

[00:14:20]And that's the reason what is their main strategy? Their main strategy is actually elite coopition wherein Senators, elite families, the family specifically and exactly China to win the West. Do you see that now in this country? Very much. very much if you're going to take a look at it or actually propagating the rhetoric of China in the West Philippines.

[00:15:17]specifically of there's no such thing as a west philipp that is exactly almost similar to the uh to the statements released by the Chinese foreign ministry in its own website.

[00:15:36]>> Let me ask you a direct question. Do you think all my economic interest or the political interest is being supported by China in the Philippines?

[00:15:45]I think definitely supported by China.

[00:15:47]Um you know our group since 2016 has already monitored that campaign contribution China in the Philippines.

[00:16:08]Although I supported Pinoy in 2010, I had a different candidate in 2016 and number one survey roers t-shirt grace.

[00:16:42]December local supplers. It all came from China.

[00:16:53]I know I haven't had breakfast yet. It turns out Yes. Yes. Yes.

[00:17:01]>> How did you pick up?

[00:17:04]Well, um World Debate Championships in 2012 academic gathering of students in the world. No, I was a law student then. Uh in fact, it generated around 500 million pesos to the Philippine economy. The Lasal Debate Society was um was uh awarded by President Pinoy as one of the 10 accomplished youth organizations in the Philippines.

[00:17:36]and then we became friends and then we started a franchising company in 2017. question when we open the show Carlo Flores and then members youthriven Jenzenial tour. No, Jenzi and Millennial Tour. We go all around the Philippines to talk about uh citizenship, to talk about uh responsible governance, to talk about accountability Isabella last week. No. Um >> but but this one is very specific.

[00:18:26]Were you anticipating the impeachment or you created this during the impeachment?

[00:18:29]>> Oh, we created it after just recently. recently bill.

[00:18:49]So we we thought it's very important for the citizens to make sure it turns out your mom is Norma.

[00:19:03]I met her We were part of a chat group.

[00:19:06]So I didn't know that you were the son.

[00:19:08]And how your mother is a practicing lawyer.

[00:19:11]>> She's a practicing lawyer. She used to be the national president of Alpha V Omega. The first woman national president of Alpha Omega Morales.

[00:19:29]Both both situ alpha v omega question.

[00:19:43]Yes. Yes. Yes. You're being active in politics right now and being an advocate for that matter on the right side.

[00:19:50]Advocacy.

[00:19:52]>> Congratulations to that. Was that because of politics or because your law office, your family are close to them?

[00:20:00]>> I became close to everyone um when I started uh doing public interest work and I volunt when I was I became a volunteer uh lawyer of Llaya Lima. No.

[00:20:10]Um I don't know if you I came from one of the largest law firms in Makati and after Kand de Santos was shot where did you work?

[00:20:22]So I did was I just stood up for the first despair has a scent and and despair has a stench. Has a stench.

[00:20:53]Exactly. And then I quit the law firm and I'm going to do my fair share in fair in in in fighting for human rights. I'm a graduate of Delal University College of Law. That law school was established precisely for the purpose of defending human rights.

[00:21:15]So feeling I need to do my my fair.

[00:21:18]>> Really? It was set up to as a as a bastion for human rights, >> human rights and environmental law actually. And and when brother Armen founded it, no, we need to create a new breed of lawyers affiliated with fraternities. We'll fight for human rights and batch first batch first.

[00:21:42]Sorry attorney. Sorry, attorney Ed. Sorry, attorney. Justice. Justice.

[00:21:49]Justice.

[00:21:51]Bloggers, lawyers. And you know, depending on which side you belong, legal opinion, political opinion for that matter. Uh who do you think should the people believe in? Uh because both of you are lawyers. You have your own political blogs. You interpret the law. Is it because of your politics or is it because of the spirit of the law?

[00:22:26]Uh very important for me is of course background uh consistency. Okay. Number two track record consistency and number three is advocacy work. Um meaning to say uh while we are all lawyers, not all lawyers are equal in terms of experience and education. No. Um, so and at the same time important is rigorous citation, empirical basis.

[00:23:15]at the same time.

[00:23:18]No, no, no. Your sometimes your politics is based on your family background.

[00:23:24]You became a lawyer. You studied in LA.

[00:23:27]You just mentioned a while ago uh human rights and environmental issues aren't choosing which side of the chamber you will belong to. Is it because of your family background or is it because of your education?

[00:23:44]>> My family background. I'm a singo.

[00:23:48]Never voted for Marcos.

[00:23:51]>> Um and at the same time um up mom class 83. I wasn't even able to take an exam.

[00:23:58]The exam the entrance exam in >> my mom is class 83.

[00:24:00]>> Class 83. Uh how old are you?

[00:24:02]>> Uh I'm 39.

[00:24:04]>> Oh man.

[00:24:06]>> I'm 62 70.

[00:24:08]>> Understandable.

[00:24:16]Okay.

[00:24:26]Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take the entrance exam.

[00:24:32]I think mainer clar I'm president.

[00:24:39]Yes, claret. I was student council president.

[00:24:41]>> I'm also you're also student council president.

[00:24:48]>> So I was student council president in claret. No. And then debate team captain and debating has really really uh sharpened sharpened me and advocacy work both sides biggest high school days isal then so while my family background has influenced me a lot I think it's really the discussions the exposure to issues and the exposure to leadership CMLI children's museum library incorporated student council work. I was law student government president as well back in um in DLSU law and debate team captain. So it's really the uh the leadership work when I was in my formative years that reared me.

[00:25:34]>> Let's look at the impeachment court. You you're you're obviously most of us or all of us are observing the Senate trial. You mentioned that the mo three most important elements are evidence, evidence, evidence. Let's talk about the article first article. Do you think that they have the evidence to support a conviction for the first article?

[00:25:54]>> Well, oh very very clear and for me I think of course actually and it looks like it based on the investigation of the House Committee on Justice that the burden of evidence has shifted.

[00:26:12]>> No, no, but let me change that. If you were to vote on article one, what will you vote for? Well, I I really definitely will vote for conviction.

[00:26:19]Very strong evidence on the confidential funds. Number one is of course the vouchers themselves and then vouchers Philippine Statistics Authority certification vouchers based on the question document section of the National Bureau of Investigation 125 million in 8 days not 11 days holiday Christmas day new yearly for safe houses. So million a day average person,000 pesos per day 30,000 million And not to dispute what you're saying, these funds were released before December, >> right?

[00:27:32]>> And most of the agencies were doing the same thing, rushing to liquidate national government.

[00:27:42]>> So I know of one agency also did that because they were trying to liquidate.

[00:27:50]uh the others that you mentioned of course those are now evidence according to the test of it was only spent in one day that's why inconsistency said one day that much happy birthday sir I wish you all goodness and happiness thanking him for attending.

[00:28:31]Zoom meeting my Zoom meeting with Indara is my president movement founded by Ramil Madriyaga and so many pictures the witness.

[00:28:42]So that initial exchange again as a reasonable average person meeting Zoom apparently you're a very intelligent guy.

[00:29:09]You will not be swayed by public opinion.

[00:29:12]when you will vote for conviction but this is also a political act. You are not a public servant at this point in time. So you are not pressured by public opinion generally speaking. Now public opinion manifests or reflect some surveys.

[00:29:34]Do you think the senators will consider evidence evidence evidence or will consider their political future because next year it's election time in the country? Correct. What do you think?

[00:29:51]I'm trained as a lawyer and survey my WR survey even may pulse Asia survey now seven to eight out of 10 actually want the trial. So if there's anything bank accounts.

[00:30:22]I don't want to presume. I don't want to be overly confident.

[00:30:38]drug lord or at least alleged drug lord actual transactions each transaction there. Is it also true documents? But in the automatic evidence or the admissibility >> or the admissibility of the evidence the context is when you file this case you should already have an evidence against VP. Some call it efficient expedition or the other way of looking at it is trial.

[00:31:24]What do you think about it?

[00:31:32]probable causeive mechanisms of the state to actually get evidence because how can you expect confidential documents? How do you expect the prosecution to be able to get that without the aid of a court? Impossibly.

[00:31:53]It's it's a it's an unreasonable impossible burden being imposed by the defense to the prosecution. In fact, that is precisely why there is a mechanism of subpecially the authenticated copy.

[00:32:05]>> Correct. The original copies authenticated objection.

[00:32:15]So very very clearing lawyers side even the defense.

[00:32:21]>> Yes. has the right or both sides have the right no to secure and the assistance of the coercive powers of the court to be able to to get the evidence that they need so that they will be able to advance their case that is basic in any litigation.

[00:32:40]So let's look back at yesterday. How would you how did the precisely the main issue of the Skyano siblings was this was a fishing expedition. How did you think? How did Chel joke respond in a way that convinced the impeachment court?

[00:32:56]Sorry. Fanboy moment.

[00:33:01]Was he was he ever your teacher? Yes, several times.

[00:33:14]Legal writing one, legal writing two, legal writing three, legal writing four.

[00:33:24]I mean, how did Jo respond to? Well, number one, very at the time when we were um investigating this, we only needed probable cause. No, that means that we advanced or we submitted articles of um of impeachment based on probable cause.

[00:33:46]He would agree that it would be a facing expedition already basing council report that they already have.7 probable cost to actually take a look at your bank account. So it is not a fishing expedition as if there is zero basis.

[00:34:22]>> Do you agree that uh the senators judges agreed to allow the salin from 2007 which are not covered by term as VP?

[00:34:34]>> Well number one integrity is indivisible.

[00:34:38]So representatives mayor Alamos Alamos Laguna was also my professor in Lasal political detain. Okay.

[00:35:00]Mayor Mayor, Chinese spy discover integrity is indivisible number one.

[00:35:28]Catholicity.

[00:35:35]Number one. But number two, very very clear.

[00:35:51]It's the whole truth. Not partial truth, not quarter truth. It's the whole truth.

[00:35:56]So, so that if House of Representatives prior to the vice president logically speaking in any event, I think S Alan Camil and si Lauren will file a descent. But going back over the weekend, how I see Alani Ping Alan Kani Ping.

[00:36:38]So what are your thoughts on the possibility of Senator Ping Lon opening up an investigation into the Tig Flood Control Corruption issues? Uh we'll let's discuss that be before you answer that. We'll take a break first.

[00:36:59]A political reckoning, a nation unwind as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sar Duterte unfolds. Every testimony, every motion, and every decision carries consequences beyond the halls of power, and your billionario news channel will be there with comprehensive report, expert analysis, and real time updates. VP Sara on trial.

[00:37:24]A BNC impeachment coverage.

[00:37:34]The spokes is back still with attorney Dillon hanging question comments and questions from our live viewers. But before that, but before that watching those two lawyers yesterday, so either one of them I'll choose to defend me. They were very familiar with the law. They were not reading notes from viewer Sheila 12365. Hi Sheila.

[00:38:08]So much admiration for attorney fighter of injustice.

[00:38:14]Thank you. Oh, next boyfriend from viewer Mon 405. This is not the time to be a political when Lenny Kiko lost in 2022 and yet here we are again. Fight, fight, fight from Suki viewer Purples and Roses.

[00:38:36]>> Impeachment is about accountability.

[00:38:40]Hanging question. Well, a while ago, our hanging question was, "Your thoughts on the possibility of Senator Lakson opening an investigation on plug control corruption issues?"

[00:38:53]Alan sentimental every single time. So, and for you to be able to quote the name of the Lord while lying with a straight face.

[00:39:23]And in a lot of instances, he's picking fights left and right. And he's doing so Tuesday.

[00:39:38]It's going to be a spectacle again.

[00:39:48]unnecessary remarks actually.

[00:40:02]So, so in short, why is he picking fights? And I don't understand why.

[00:40:24]But on the matter of his legal opinion because obvious Allan, don't you think boundaries for him to be able to defend with a straight face the war on drugs using a foreign correspondent and saying so are you saying blank are you saying 6,000 as of the record guilty Yes. Oh >> yes. Imagine an officer of the court, a lawyer can say that due process, due process stickler for human rights and the rule of law and due process.

[00:41:32]They don't deserve to have a day in court because they are all they are all guilty already. And all of them all of them. Not a single one of them.

[00:41:41]exception.

[00:41:53]So, and then he's using all the gifts of the Lord to him to be able to shield to be able to defend.

[00:42:05]So, and then he can do so he can do so while using the name of the Lord um and quoting the Bible and every time pray what what caught my attention was during the time of the impeachment of of Justice Corona he agreed back records he's defending not to so again double standard major inconsistent IC warrant for the ICC one last point regarding this. It's a political act impeachment. So the rules mean varies as long as Philippine constitution rule of law due process equal protection whatever it is to case basis.

[00:43:12]You know, you had a post recently about regarding hotel bookings paid in advance and converting that into gift cards.

[00:43:19]What's the context of this?

[00:43:21]participanummit Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation before Pinoy before that was one of the last events hosted by Pino right after games organizer personal knowledge. Who are the organizers that you're pertaining to?

[00:44:03]Well, of course, Martin.

[00:44:13]So two for card no vouchers and then Rolex wait and then I don't have personal knowledge And then and then and then of course personal knowledge in close you know you've been very very aggressive in attacks on all these public officials. Aren't you worried about being filed a cyber liel case >> for your safety for that matter? Well, that's not how I lose when you call out and then let for the record. It is our duty as uh as members of the public to call out our public servants taxpayers money. They're fighting for our interest and and for our safety.

[00:45:45]I filed the case against Rodrigo Duterte when I filed my health records absolute powers.

[00:45:57]The one thing is my free will as a Catholic because that's the greatest gift of the Lord to you. So, every single time.

[00:46:07]Courage is not the absence of fear but having the will to face it because treasure which is the Lord's greatest gift which is your agency your sovereignty your ability to choose question liel cases filed against media persons or civilians who attack you public servants. Do you think that's a form of harassment against them to to silence them to give them a hard time and to delay you attack or to stop the attacks? Most >> definitely.

[00:46:40]I've always been an advocate of decriminalization of liel. I don't understand why it's a criminal act. It's a private offense.

[00:46:53]damages. I don't understand really why the state has to be involved and why is it that it is a crime against the people of the Philippines.

[00:47:02]It has to be private in nature. In fact, in most jurisdictions in the world, it's inconsistent with free speech flood controls against persons, against media people and the like. Nani was mentioning about death threats and all that uh and personal security mo there was a BBM blog who who got killed no s Mima Alicia and allegedly you're part of a hit list DDS top 40 are you aware of that well I was defending Laya Dimma at the peak of Rodrigo Duterte's power and everyone else in fact So point is whether that's a list or not what is the right thing to do you know the youth organization that I've established in the debate society is fighting for what is right and just with an indomitable spirit is never a lost at least ultimately decision.

[00:48:42]organization.

[00:48:48]So you view that when I was speaking up and even campaign I get 90 100 death threats in a in a day. Um, you know, I have uh I think 12 insurance policies hate amount of security by the times when you face the creator in the eye.

[00:49:34]If ever you face the creator in the eyesough question okay latest SWS survey 57% plus rating compared PBM 34% Sirieard supporters to everyone.

[00:50:14]In fact, regardless of the personalities, so I think a lot of them are starting to become convinced. We're going around spec specifically the genzials. No, the Gen Z and millennials. They're going to be seven or eight out of 10 voters come 2028. No. So, I'm hoping for the best if we have at least three administrations of good governance.

[00:50:57]My take on this surveyed but once there is a declared candidate those numbers will change up or downclared candidate.

[00:51:18]So the next half question. Should the should the Kitano siblings be cited for contempt because they were on Facebook defending their actions? Are they observing subjudice?

[00:51:44]Um I think main potent tool against senator judges and against key public officers is sense of shame.

[00:51:53]Sense of shame. The next one would be make sure.

[00:52:01]Okay. Almost won as president in 1992.

[00:52:05]Super popular until now.

[00:52:10]second envelope moment.

[00:52:17]So the electorate made her pay and I think it's high time.

[00:52:38]That's the long-term goal. But on the immediate, anyway, do you see Alan Kayano being criminally charged in the middle of the impeachment trial?

[00:52:47]>> Well, I' we've already filed a case against him.

[00:52:52]Sorry, what case? Um, obstruction of justice Robin Padilia.

[00:52:58]In fact, so that is already pending before the bootsman because of Okay. Last last tough question and brief answer. How should people in involve themselves in the ongoing impeachment trial? Well, we couldn't allow them to actually monopolize discussions or prevent the Senate from promoting accountability and doing its mandate.

[00:53:35]Would you encourage uh organizing rallies or will you organize rallies just to support your position?

[00:53:49]>> I've always been an organizer of rallies. I'm part of the ones who's always calling for accountability.

[00:53:57]So very important greatest check in any democracy especially when our institutions fail are the people and congress.

[00:54:09]Okay. So attorney it was an exciting discussion learned a lot from you.

[00:54:20]>> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for having me.

[00:54:22]>> As billionaire news channel expands its reach in central zone. The delayed telecast of this post can now be seen at CLTV from 5:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. just before agenda. I'm former Secretary Edina. Uh I say it the way I see it, but very quickly let me condol to my condolences to the family of the Tabor and Strata family. My very very good friend died last night. Uh see you soon.

[00:54:47]Condolences to Boying Malta as well. I'm former Secretary Nanala and we are the spokes. Thank you.