Sen. Raffy Tulfo on Friday blamed Vice President Sara Duterte’s inner circle for allegedly failing to advise her on constitutional provisions, saying they had put her in danger amid her impeachment trial.

During the 37th day of the impeachment trial, Tulfo questioned why Duterte, her husband Manases Carpio and other lawyers around the vice president appeared unfamiliar with Article VII, Section 13 of the 1987 Constitution.

The provision prohibits the president, vice president, Cabinet members and their deputies or assistants from holding other offices or employment, unless otherwise allowed by the Constitution.

During earlier trial proceedings, House prosecutors and its witnesses, including Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) officials, presented corporate records linking Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, to around 15 to 18 companies, mainly engaged in food, trading and security businesses.

Tulfo said the issue was particularly concerning because Duterte and Carpio are lawyers, while her chief of staff is also a member of the legal profession.

“Strike two na po ito,” Tulfo said, referring to his earlier discussion during the trial about Duterte’s alleged failure to divest from companies where she served as a member of the board of directors after being elected vice president.

He suggested that people around Duterte may have known about the law but deliberately ignored it, believing their positions of power made them untouchable.

“They intentionally ignored the said law thinking that they are an exception to the rule,” Tulfo said.

He added that he blamed those surrounding the vice president for failing to protect her from the consequences of the alleged violations.

“Ang sisisihin ko po dito ay ang mga nakapaligid kay VP Sara dahil ipinahamak nila siya,” Tulfo said.

“Ipinahamak nila ang ating butihing ikalawang Pangulo,” he added.

Duterte faces impeachment proceedings over allegations that include betrayal of public trust through alleged unexplained wealth.