Sheriffs to hold rally vs Duterte

MANILA, Philippines - A sheriffs’ association is set to hold a motorcade rally tomorrow to show their unity and support in condemning the physical assault on their fellow sheriff, Abe Andres, by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

The Sheriffs Confederation of the Philippines (Scophil) said they will meet at the corner of EDSA and Roxas Boulevard at noon, then go to the Quezon City Hall via EDSA.

They will proceed to the Office of the Ombudsman to seek Duterte’s suspension, then go to Malacañang to file a complaint for grave misconduct against Duterte.

From Malacanang, the group will go to the Supreme Court to file a disbarment case against Duterte. The group will be led by Schophil national president Pat Labayani.

Scophil earlier filed charges of direct assault and grave misconduct at the Office of the Ombudsman against Duterte.

The group’s Cebu chapter has also asked Davao City Regional Trial Court Judge Emmanuel Carpio to cite Duterte in contempt of court for punching Andres, who was carrying out a court-ordered demolition off illegal shanties last July 1.

Andres not only refused to file charges against the mayor, he also apologized to her for his failure to accede to her request.

The organization “strongly condemns the arrogance, criminal and contemptuous act of… Duterte.”