MANILA, Philippines — San Juan City Rep. Ysabel Maria “Bel” Zamora brushed aside criticisms directed at her on social media, saying she was only carrying out her responsibilities as a member of the House of Representatives’ prosecution team in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Zamora faced backlash online after presenting Police Major Joericson Sangalang of the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO) during Monday’s hearing. Sangalang testified that Duterte and her husband, Atty. Manases Carpio, have a total of 51 firearms.
Asked about the negative and allegedly misogynistic comments she received following her presentation, Zamora said such remarks were unfortunate.
“It’s so unfortunate that a lot of Filipinos still think that way. They still make misogynistic remarks especially directed towards women, girls who apparently are smart, and can speak, can speak well, and can be a lawyer in an impeachment court,” she said at a press conference.
“Maybe they can’t handle sass, they can’t handle style. And, well, really, I don’t care if they bashed me, I’m here to do my job. And let’s see. I mean, seriously, they should get a life,” she added.
Zamora said the attention generated by the personal attacks should not detract from the purpose of Sangalang’s testimony.
“There is a pattern of non-declaration or misdeclaration of assets in the SALN,” Zamora said.
“Let us remember that firearms are assets, and assets must be declared in the SALN (Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth),” she added.
She also urged participants in the impeachment proceedings to raise the level of public discourse, saying the public needs to better understand the evidence and issues being presented before the court.
“I hope we can raise the level of discourse here, especially in these impeachment proceedings,” Zamora said.
“More people need to understand what is happening in this impeachment case,” she added.
