Rep. Jude Acidre
HOUSE Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs Chairman Jude Acidre of Tingog Party-list on Friday dismissed allegations that the House of Representatives stalled or delayed the transmission of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Senate, emphasizing that discussions and preparations began the moment the complaints were filed.
“From day one, there were already discussions and assessments happening among members. This was not a rushed or politically motivated move – this was a well-thought-out process that consolidated three different complaints into one strong, unified case,” Acidre, a House Assistant Majority Leader, said.
He countered Sen. Cynthia Villar’s assertion that the House took its time before forwarding the Articles of Impeachment, explaining that impeachment in the lower chamber follows a deliberate and meticulous process that cannot be rushed.
“Impeachment is a constitutional process that requires careful deliberation, legal scrutiny, and political consensus,” Acidre said.
He pointed out that senators who were previously House members should be fully aware of the intricacies of the impeachment process.
“Alam naman po ng ilang senador na dati ring kinatawan sa Kongreso na hindi ito basta-basta. Kung dumaan ito sa House Justice Committee, mas lalo pang tatagal ang proseso. Pero dahil 215 na miyembro ng Kamara ang pumirma, na-fast-track ang transmittal ng Articles of Impeachment,” Acidre explained.
Had the House opted to go through the usual House Committee on Justice hearings, it would have significantly prolonged the process, Acidre emphasized.
“If we had gone through the House Committee on Justice, we would still be conducting hearings today. Every impeachment complaint must be carefully examined, and witnesses must be heard. These things take time, and they should,” Acidre said.
He underscored that the overwhelming support from House members was what allowed the process to move swiftly, contrary to claims of delay.
“Kung talagang gusto naming patagalin ito, sana pinadaan pa namin sa mga committee hearings. Pero dahil seryoso ang mga miyembro ng Kamara sa panawagan ng accountability, nagkaisa kami sa isang matibay at pinag-isipang complaint,” Acidre noted.
He also stressed that every step of the impeachment process was conducted transparently and in adherence to the Constitution, ensuring the case stood on solid legal ground.
“We didn’t just move fast for the sake of speed – we moved efficiently to ensure due process was followed, while at the same time, addressing the urgency of the matter,” he added.
Acidre reminded senators that their responsibility now is to act “forthwith” on the impeachment case, rather than questioning the House’s process.
“Wala na sa Kamara ang impeachment complaint. Wala na sa amin ang bola. Nasa Senado na. Kung sa tingin nila may delay, nasa kanila na ang susunod na hakbang para ituloy ito nang mabilis at maayos,” Acidre said.
He urged the Senate to focus on the merits of the case rather than engaging in political rhetoric about procedural matters that have already been settled.
“This is about accountability, public trust and our duty to uphold the Constitution. The Filipino people deserve a fair and expeditious trial. That is where the focus should be now,” Acidre said.