PNP eyes resistance, disobedience to authority raps vs VP Sara Duterte, others

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday it is preparing to file complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte as well as her security officers and staff for alleged resistance and disobedience to authority and other offenses.

These stemmed from the disruption at the House of Representatives Detention Center and Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) involving the detention of Duterte’s chief of staff Atty. Zuleika Lopez.

“Reports indicate that actions taken may have interfered with the lawful detention order issued by the House of Representatives, as well as disrupted operations at both the detention center and VMMC,” the PNP said in a statement.

Lopez was cited in contempt by the House committee on good government and public accountability and was initially ordered to serve a five-day detention. Her detention was extended to ten days due to the disruption.

PNP chief Police General Rommwl Marbil asked Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. for the identities of Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) personnel who reportedly assisted in the "forced transfer” of Lopez from the VMMC to St. Luke's Medical Center using a private ambulance.

"In a video that surfaced, VPSPG head, Colonel Raymund Dante Lachica, was seen physically pushing and assaulting the PNP doctor-in-charge, which could lead to a direct assault complaint," Marbil said in his letter.

Marbil pointed out that any attempt to resist or disobey lawful authority undermines the integrity of democratic institutions and the principle of equality before the law.

"We call upon everyone to respect legal processes and cooperate with authorities. As public servants, it is our duty to uphold the law and set an example. Resistance and disobedience to a person in authority not only violates the law but also undermines public trust," he said.

"We will ensure that due process is followed, and the law is enforced without bias. Let this serve as a reminder that justice must prevail, and no one is above the law,” he added.—AOL, GMA Integrated News