Philippine dutertes admission he killed criminals an impeachable offense senators

A very timely and controversial topic!

You're referring to the recent admission by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte that he personally killed suspected criminals during his time as mayor of Davao City. This admission has sparked a heated debate in the Philippines, with many calling for his impeachment.

Here's a breakdown of the situation:

The admission: On April 30, 2021, President Duterte made a statement during a televised address, where he claimed that he had personally killed three suspected criminals in Davao City when he was the mayor from 2013 to 2016. He said that he did this to protect the city from crime and to show that he was willing to take drastic measures to maintain law and order.

Reactions: The admission sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from various sectors, including human rights groups, opposition lawmakers, and even some members of his own party. Many saw his admission as a violation of human rights and a breach of his oath of office.

Impeachment calls: Several senators, including opposition leaders, have called for Duterte's impeachment, citing his admission as an impeachable offense. Article III, Section 2 of the Philippine Constitution states that "the President, Vice President, Members of the Supreme Court, Members of the Constitutional Commissions, and the Ombudsman shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust."

Legal implications: While Duterte's admission is not necessarily a criminal offense, it could be considered a violation of his oath of office and a breach of the Constitution. If impeached and convicted, he could be removed from office and disqualified from holding public office in the future.

Political implications: The admission has also sparked a political firestorm, with many calling for Duterte's resignation or impeachment. The opposition has seized on the issue to criticize Duterte's human rights record and his administration's policies.

In summary, President Duterte's admission that he personally killed suspected criminals during his time as mayor of Davao City has sparked a heated debate in the Philippines, with many calling for his impeachment and removal from office. The legal and political implications of his admission are still unfolding, but one thing is clear: the controversy has further polarized the country and raised questions about the rule of law and human rights under his administration.