Impeachment proceedings vs. VP Sara not part of House agenda

By Filane Mikee Cervantes, Philippine News Agency

FILE: ACCOUNTABILITY. Vice President Sara Duterte takes her oath during the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability’s probe into the alleged misuse of her office’s fund on Nov. 25, 2024. Senior House leaders on Friday (Nov. 29, 2024) said the House is committed to upholding transparency and accountability, and the primary focus of the House inquiries is on uncovering the truth behind the use of confidential funds and addressing any alleged irregularities during the previous administration. (Photo: House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – Impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte are not part of the agenda of the House of Representatives, according to its senior leaders.

“While we are committed to upholding transparency and accountability, the primary focus of the House committees concerned is on uncovering the truth behind the use of confidential funds and addressing any alleged irregularities linked to questionable businesses that reportedly emerged during the previous administration,” Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David Suarez, and House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe said in a joint statement issued Friday.

“As we have repeatedly pointed out in media interviews, impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte are not on our agenda,” they said.

The House Good Government and Public Accountability is looking into the alleged misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds received by the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education in 2022 and 2023 when Duterte was education secretary.

Meanwhile, the House quad committee’s inquiry is focused on intertwined issues of illegal drugs and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), as well as the extrajudicial killings linked to the Duterte administration.

“Our institution is duty-bound to serve as a check and balance while safeguarding public trust. The Filipino people deserve answers regarding these serious matters, and we aim to fulfill this responsibility without political distractions or divisiveness,” they said.

The lawmakers, however, acknowledged the House’s constitutional duty to act on “properly filed” impeachment complaints.

“The House of Representatives has a constitutional duty to act on impeachment complaints filed by ordinary citizens against impeachable officials,” they said.

Under the Constitution, any citizen may file an impeachment complaint against any impeachable official.

However, the petition has to be endorsed by at least one House member for it to be acted upon.

The House leaders vowed to ensure that the proceedings would be fair and transparent should an impeachment complaint be filed.

“Should an impeachment complaint be properly filed in accordance with the rules, the House is obligated to deliberate on it fairly and transparently, ensuring that the process adheres to the highest standards of justice,” they said.

Meanwhile, they appealed for unity and focus on governance that would uplift the lives of Filipinos.

“Let us work together to ensure that governance remains focused on what truly matters –delivering results and improving the lives of our people – while fulfilling all constitutional mandates with integrity and impartiality,” they said.

Divisive

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said an impeachment complaint against the Vice President would only cause division and distraction from urgent and pressing issues.

In a statement, Estrada pointed out that impeachment is a political process that should be based on justice and accountability, not personal or partisan motives.

“Sang-ayon ako sa hindi pagtuloy ng impeachment (I agree with not continuing the impeachment process). There are many pressing problems in our country that need to be addressed, not only by the two highest officials but also by us, lawmakers,” he said.

Instead of impeachment, he said, reconciliation between Marcos and Duterte should be pushed for the benefit of Filipinos.

“Patuloy ko na ipagdarasal at hihilingin ko na rin ngayong Kapaskuhan, na manaig ang reconciliation sa pagitan ng ating dalawang pinakamataas na mga lider para na rin sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan (I will continue praying and I will also ask this Christmas, that reconciliation prevail between our two highest leaders for the sake of our countrymen,” Estrada said. (With a report from Wilnard Bacelonia/PNA)