[Rear View] Is stupid the new Dutertismo?

Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo described Gina Acosta, the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) special disbursing officer, as “stupid” during the ongoing impeachment trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The remark came as Tulfo questioned Acosta about her role in transferring millions in confidential funds to the security chief of Vice President Sara Duterte, reportedly under Duterte’s direct orders. Tulfo emphasized that Acosta acted out of “blind loyalty,” failing to verify whether the transactions were legitimate. This accusation followed revelations that the OVP’s confidential and intelligence fund (CIF) was managed with little oversight, with financial decisions seemingly made arbitrarily by the vice president. Another senator-judge, Ping Lacson, echoed similar concerns, labeling the content of the CIF’s budget planning as “cut-and-paste” material. According to the prosecution, the plan was drafted only after the amount had already been determined by Vice President Duterte, who allegedly decided the sum without prior consultation or justification. Prosecution spokespersons noted that the approach seemed to follow the principle of “pera muna, bago plano”, money first, plan later, highlighting a pattern of prioritizing immediate financial allocations over structured fiscal responsibility. Lacson also used the colloquial term “bopol,” meaning “stupid,” to criticize a fellow senator-judge, though he did not specify which individual. His remarks were framed as an effort to call out colleagues who displayed “breathtaking displays of stupidity” in handling the case. These comments underscored a broader critique of the impeachment process, suggesting that some participants were more interested in maintaining political alliances than ensuring transparency and accountability. The impeachment hearing has exposed a troubling trend of arrogance and incompetence among officials, according to reports. Some observers argue that the proceedings have been marred by displays of ignorance and partisanship, undermining efforts to uphold impartiality and integrity. The prosecution has presented evidence of questionable expenditures, including payments to informants with dubious identities, the establishment of expensive safehouses, and the allocation of funds for lavish events such as Christmas parties and tree-planting initiatives. In some cases, the term “liquidation” appears to have taken on a different meaning within the context of the OVP’s financial dealings, raising further doubts about the legitimacy of these transactions. One of the key figures in the trial, deposed Senate president Alan Peter Cayetano, expressed concern over the use of certain terminology by the prosecution. Cayetano, known for his close ties to Duterte, urged the court to avoid language that might compromise the impartiality of the impeachment proceedings. He specifically cited the use of the terms “scam” and “mastermind” by private prosecutor Mae Divinagracia, which were subsequently removed from the official record. Cayetano argued that such language risked inflaming public sentiment and potentially influencing the outcome of the trial. In contrast, Senator-judge Francis Escudero, the presiding officer of the impeachment court, stressed the importance of political neutrality. He ruled that the sub judice rule, the legal principle that prohibits discussion of pending cases, applies equally to the accused, Vice President Duterte, as well as to the members of the court and the legal teams representing both sides. Escudero directed this ruling to Duterte via her legal representatives, emphasizing that the court must remain focused on the facts rather than external pressures or public opinion. Escudero also issued a warning against “trial by publicity,” arguing that conducting the trial in the media rather than in court could threaten the court’s integrity and dignity. He stated that while senator-judges are permitted to ask clarifying questions of witnesses, they must refrain from turning these interactions into partisan performances. The judge urged all participants to maintain decorum and adhere strictly to their oaths of impartiality.