Outrage after sedition case filed against Philippine VP Leni Robredo, other Duterte foes

Thirty-six opposition figures are accused of cyber libel for orchestrating a series of online videos ahead of May’s midterm elections

The president’s critics say the move is aimed at stamping out scrutiny of his increasingly powerful rule

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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo: AP

Published: 5:56pm, 19 Jul 2019Updated: 10:47pm, 19 Jul 2019

Opponents of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte expressed shock and outrage on Friday at police moves to charge dozens of them with sedition, calling it persecution aimed at stamping out scrutiny of his increasingly powerful rule.

Thirty-six opposition figures are accused of cyber libel and sedition for orchestrating a series of online videos ahead of May’s midterm elections. The videos feature a hooded man alleging that Duterte and his family members were involved in the illegal drugs trade, which they deny.

The man, who had said he was a witness, later surrendered and appeared with police on television to say his claims were false and that he was cajoled into making the videos by opposition members. They included the vice-president, lawyers, Catholic priests, a former attorney general, and incumbent and former lawmakers, the man said.

The justice department is looking into the complaint, which is the latest move against Duterte’s detractors who say the aim is to create a power monopoly for a president, who already enjoys a legislative supermajority and a public approval rating of about 80 per cent.

Duterte insists he is open to challenges but has shown no qualms about threatening high-profile critics, several of whom he said last month he would jail if they tried to impeach him.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte had no involvement in the police sedition complaint.

Philippine vice-president Leni Robredo. Photo: AP