Veteran actor Romnick Sarmenta drew attention online after posting a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter) that many netizens believe to be directed at Vice President Sara Duterte.
On June 19, Sarmenta wrote: “Wala. Wala akong masabi… Inosente pero labing-anim ang kinuhang abogado.”
“Led by the Holy Spirit pero nagpapalaganap ng fake news.”
“Tapos ng pag-aabugado pero di nagbabasa ng konstitusyon.”
“Nagpapabayad ng buwis pero di nagbabayad.”
“Namumuno pero walang pangunguna.”
“Wala talaga.”
Wala. Wala akong masabi…
Inosente pero labinganim ang kinuhang abogado.
Led by the Holy Spirit pero nagpapalaganap ng fake news.
Tapos ng pag aabugado pero di nagbabasa ng konstitusyon.
Nagpapabayad ng buwis pero di nagbabayad.
Namumuno pero walang pangunguna.
Wala talaga.
— Romnick Sarmenta (@Relampago1972) June 19, 2025
The actor did not name anyone directly, but the timing and content of his post sparked speculation among followers that he was referring to Vice President Duterte, who recently made headlines after securing a 16-member legal team to defend her in an upcoming impeachment trial.
On June 16, Senate impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol confirmed the filing of an Appearance – Ad Cautelam, listing 16 lawyers from the Fortun Narvasa & Salazar law firm as Duterte’s legal representatives. The Senate had earlier issued a writ of summons, giving Duterte’s camp 10 days to respond to the articles of impeachment transmitted by the House of Representatives last February.
The high-profile defense lineup includes noted names in the legal field such as Philip Sigfried Fortun and Gregorio Narvasa. Despite questions on the constitutionality of the impeachment articles, Duterte said in a recent press conference in Davao City that she would rely on the advice of her lawyers regarding how to respond before the Senate impeachment court.
