Rep. Bel Zamora on misogynistic remarks against her amid Duterte impeachment trial: 'Get a life'
San Juan City Lone District Rep. Ysabel Maria “Bel” Zamora has spoken out against the misogynistic remarks directed at her amid the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Zamora is one of the 11 members of the House prosecution panel tasked with representing the chamber in the impeachment proceedings against Duterte.
The congresswoman faced criticisms and misogynistic comments after she led the direct examination of a prosecution witness during Monday’s impeachment trial.
"It's so unfortunate that a lot of Filipinos still think that way. They still make misogynistic remarks, especially directed towards women [and] girls who apparently are smart and can speak well, and can be a lawyer in an impeachment court," she said during a press conference.
"Siguro, they can't handle sass, they can't handle style. Well, really, I don't care if they bash me. I'm here to do my job. Seriously, they should get a life," she added.
'Personal attacks come with the territory'
Former representative Robert Ace Barbers, who now serves as House prosecution spokesperson, said that personal attacks against prosecutors are to be expected. He added that the use of "ad hominem attacks" could stem from critics either not understanding the issues being discussed or attempting to undermine the credibility of members of the prosecution panel.
"Ang aming nababasa at naoobserbahan, na kapag ad hominem na 'yung kanilang strategy, it is because hindi nila naiintindihan maaari ang pinag-uusapan,” he said.
"Pangalawa, dahil ang task nila ay sirain ang credibility ng mga members ng prosecution panel, so they start treating them on a personal level,” he added.
Barbers then described the criticism as something prosecutors simply have to deal with as part of their role in the proceedings.
"Kung hindi n'yo kayang pag-usapan ang sustansya ng pinag-uusapan sa loob ng korte, sirain n'yo na lang ang nagsasalita,” he said.
Duterte is facing a total of four impeachment articles alleging the misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and procurement irregularities, and grave threats and high crimes.
