MANILA, Philippines (Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte cannot be impeached for his remarks that he will not allow the policemen allegedly involved in the death of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., to be imprisoned.
In an interview, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo also said that President cannot be impeached by his remarks and said that it was the duty of the President to protect the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Of course not. Why should it be an impeachable offense? Is it even an offense?” Panelo said.
“The duty of the President is to protect the members of the PNP who are enforcing the law (upon) his instructions,” Panelo added.
He then assured that President Duterte will not interfere with the NBI probe.
“The NBI results show that the NBI does not interfere with any government agency doing their work, e ‘di sana iba ang resulta,” the legal counsel said.
In a speech on Wednesday, December 7 during the Urban Poor Solidarity Week in Mandaluyong City, the President said he will back the policemen who will follow his order to shoot if necessary, especially if their lives are in danger. While he said he would support policemen who risk their lives in the line of duty, he said he would not interfere with the probe of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The NBI said that they would recommend the filing of murder charges against the policemen who are tagged in the killing of Mayor Espinosa, after finding evidence of a rubout, instead of a shootout as alleged by the policemen.