Atty. Ferdinand Topacio answers query from the media during a Pandesal forum in Quezon City on Monday, August 26, 2024. Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.’s lawyer on Sunday said Vice President Sara Duterte’s accusation that the Marcos administration is using the “Arnie Teves playbook” against her is “horrifyingly familiar.”
According to Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, the administration is employing a systematic strategy to target political opponents, which mirrors the treatment of his client.
Article continues after this advertisementTeves is wanted for the killing of Governor Roel Degamo and others in March 2023, known as the Pamplona Massacre.
FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO PMA: 764 female military officers owe careers to Rasul NEWSINFO ‘2022 presidency was mine already’ – VP Duterte NEWSINFO Bonifacio Day protest: 1 cop hurt, 1 activist arrested in MendiolaTopacio also expressed concerns about the alleged misuse of the anti-terror law.
“This was the formula used against Mr. Teves, and now it is being used against the Vice President,” his statement read.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: DOJ: Teves to be extradited soon
Article continues after this advertisement“First, the subject of political liquidation is demonized through media and painted as a violent person; then, his security detail is withdrawn, making him feel helpless; then the rubber-stamp House of Representatives is used to isolate the target politically. Fabricated charges are soon to follow,” he added.
Article continues after this advertisementHe also claimed that there are efforts to tarnish Duterte’s reputation.
“This happened in the case of Congressman Teves, and is now obviously happening to the Vice President. After massive efforts to destroy her good name, her security personnel have been recalled, leaving her in grave danger,” Topacio added.
Article continues after this advertisementTopacio believes that the alleged campaign to undermine Duterte’s political standing could escalate, potentially involving a raid on her residence.
“We would not be surprised if later on, her residence is raided and high-caliber firearms, including explosives, will be planted therein, the latter to make the offense subject to capital punishment and therefore making bail discretionary,” he said.
“Heaven forbid that a high-profile political figure is assassinated, or it will be blamed on the Vice President, precipitately and without regard to due process and other Constitutional safeguards,” he added.
Topacio also criticized the Department of Justice (DOJ) for being “weaponized” to serve as a tool for “pernicious lawfare” against the political enemies of the administration.
“What is scary is that the Department of Justice, which is composed of many professional men and women of integrity, has been prostituted under a leadership that has allowed the DOJ to be weaponized and made an instrument of pernicious lawfare against the political enemies of the current dispensation,” he added.
Topacio called on the public to “rise up and stop the relentless abuse and the transformation of our country into a kakistocratic authoritarian state.”
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READ: Sara Duterte accuses gov’t of using ‘Arnie Teves playbook’ against her747 live
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