THE House lawmakers who will serve as prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte assured that they will get the approval of the impeachment court for her to disclose her bank and financial records in order to complete their evidence to support the case.
In a statement, Manila Third District Representative Joel Chua, one of the 11 members of the prosecution panel, said they will use all legal means to secure relevant documents that will aid in the trial, in addition to the pieces of evidence already present.
“The recess does not stop our work. The prosecutors are reviewing evidence, gathering testimonies, and ensuring that we are ready once the Senate acts,” he added.
A total of 240 House lawmakers supported the impeachment of Duterte which revolves around six major allegations, each linked to alleged violations of the 1987 Constitution, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and other laws.
The allegations also include Duterte’s involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez; the malversation of P612.5 million worth of confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President, as well as the Department of Education (DepEd) during her time as the secretary from 2022 to 2024; and the bribery and corruption in the DepEd.
Also cited in the complaints was Duterte’s unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets, her involvement in extrajudicial killings particularly during her time as the mayor of Davao City, and for engaging in destabilization, insurrection, and public disorder.
It is the first time that the second highest official of the Philippines faces an impeachment trial.
Meanwhile, in an interview, Senate President Francis Escudero said the impeachment trial against Duterte is “most likely” to start after Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (Sona) in July, when the new Congress already enters into its functions.
Escudero reiterated that the Senate has no intention of requesting Marcos to convene a special session to discuss the matter.
In a radio interview on Tuesday, February 11, Professor Rene Samiento, one of the conveners of the 1987 Constitution, said the Senate shall start forthwith the impeachment trial, although there is no timeline indicated in the Constitution, to prevent complications that may arise ahead of the change of Congress.
(There is no specific timeframe stated in the law, but let us remember why this needs to be started by our Senate. When the new Congress begins with the newly elected 12 senators… According to the Supreme Court, once a new Congress convenes, all proceedings, matters, and even investigations expire. All pending matters are considered concluded because this is a new Congress. It might not be completed in time if we wait until June 2 upon the resumption of the 19th Congress.)
The Senate went on a four-month break on February 5 to give way to the campaign period. The Congress will resume its sessions on June 2.
“Ang mungkahi ko para mabilis at ang Senate President na maobliga na tawagin ang mga senator (My suggestion to expedite the process and oblige the Senate President to call the senators) to proceed as an impeachment court is for the President at any time, nasa pangulo ang mandato para tawagin ang senado para sa special session for the Senate to proceed as impeachment court,” Sarmiento added.
He said anyone or any group may also file a petition for mandamus before the Supreme Court to order the Senate to convene as an impeachment court on the basis of the constitutional provision.
Sarmiento raised the importance of the impeachment trial in the lives of the Filipinos, noting that it is a matter of accountability of public officers and may also serve as a deterrent to illegal activities of government servants.
“It will serve as strong impact on public officers na ‘uy wag mong gawin yan kasi you can be impeached sa posisyon’ (hey, don’t do that because you can be impeached from your position). Ito pong issue ay napakahalaga sa taong bayan (This issue is crucial to the public) considering the seven charges na nasa loob ng (outlined in the) articles of impeachment. Dapat talakayin at i-resolve kung inosente, edi inosente (It must be discussed and resolved -- if the official is innocent, then so be it). After due process of law, kung talagang may kasalanan dapat managot (After due process of law, if wrongdoing is proven, they must be held accountable),” he said. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)