Manila Representative Joel Chua on Thursday refuted claims of “political persecution” or “politically motivated” actions regarding the overwhelming vote of representatives in the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Chua emphasized that the House of Representatives followed due process in handling the Vice President’s impeachment.
“Ito naman po ay nasa proseso. Ito po naman ay nasa batas. Kaya wala po akong nakikitang masama dito. Ito ay dumaan naman sa masusing paglilitis,” he said.
“Nakita naman po natin sa mga sumubaybay po sa [Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability] at nakita naman po natin talaga na may basehan,” he added.
Chua’s remarks were in response to claims made by VP Sara’s brother, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, who described the impeachment as “political persecution.”
“I am appalled and enraged by the desperate and politically motivated efforts to railroad the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte,” Rep. Duterte said.
“The sinister maneuvering of certain lawmakers, led by [Iloilo] Rep. [Janette] Garin, to hastily collect signatures and push for the immediate approval and transmittal of this baseless impeachment case is a clear act of political persecution,” he added.
Chua dismissed these comments, explaining that the move was not politically motivated. He clarified that the complaints were filed two months ago, and with the 19th Congress nearing its end, time was of the essence.
“Magkakaroon po ng one-year ban at back to zero po lahat ito. So, ang ginawa ng House ay yung isang ruta po, yung tinatawag po natin na House action, ito ang paglalakap ng one-third vote,” he said.
Additionally, Chua addressed the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to refrain from pursuing impeachment discussions and claims against the Vice President. He emphasized that Congress is a separate branch and not a “rubber stamp” of the President.
“Tayo po ay isang demokrasyang bansa. Ito naman pong Kongreso, ito ay pagpapakita lamang na ang Kongreso ay hindi rubber stamp ng Presidente,” he said.
“Ito po ang ating separation of power. Kami po ay (lehislatibo). Ginagampanan lamang po namin ang aming constitutional mandate o constitutional duty,” he added.