PDP-Laban senatorial bet Atty. Raul Lambino on Monday (April 21) decried what he called political harassment following a complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) over alleged fake news involving a Supreme Court temporary restraining order (TRO) related to the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The NBI’s April 15 complaint accuses Lambino and Congressman Ronald Cardema of disseminating false information that the Supreme Court issued a TRO halting Duterte’s arrest.
Speaking at a press conference held at Kamuning Bakery Café and hosted by Rod Cornejo, Lambino said he anticipated such a move from the administration, suggesting it was part of a coordinated “demolition” job against him.
Lambino said he has yet to receive a copy of the complaint, and requested that it be delivered to his residence in Barangay Bunlag, Mangaldan, Pangasinan. He assured that once it is formally received, he will respond to the allegations point by point.
He clarified that their camp went to the Supreme Court precisely to verify if a TRO had been issued, saying, “It’s an information I heard, and I wanted to verify it. I see nothing wrong with going to the SC for clarification.”
Lambino is also awaiting a show cause order from the Supreme Court, to which he said he has already prepared a response.
On the broader issue, Lambino questioned the health transparency of the President, stating that under the Constitution, a leader’s health is a matter of national concern. He referenced rumors of the President’s “bleeding gums” and added, “If the President is not physically or mentally fit, that’s a serious concern.”
He also pointed to other pressing issues such as the threat of amnesty for the CPP-NPA-NDF, rising inflation, and what he claimed to be the declining trust ratings of the President.
“At 67, I’ve seen enough to know when something’s politically motivated,” Lambino said.#
