House of Representatives’ leaders stated in a press conference on Tuesday that the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte represents the public’s call for accountability.
Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre emphasized that the filing of the impeachment complaint has made the public’s demand for truth and accountability from the Vice President more evident.
“Ako masasabi ko lang, siguro nitong paghahain ng impeachment complaint ng mga civil society groups ay isa lamang pagpapatunay na ang taumbayan mismo ay naghahanap ng accountability sa kanilang mga halal na pinuno lalo-lalong na sa kasong ito sa Bise Presidente. At siguro naman ito’y pagpapakita lang ng mga issue na nailahad doon sa mga iba’t ibang pagdinig dito sa Kongreso, lalung-lalo na sa Blue Ribbon ng House,” Acidre said.
Acidre noted that, while the complaint has just been filed, it involves both the lower and upper chambers, making it difficult to provide a specific timeline for the impeachment process.
“This is not to give excuses. Definitely, we are all for accountability. But then again, katulad ng sinabi ng ating Pangulo, ang mahalaga din dito ay hindi tayo ma-distract sa iba pang mahahalagang gawain ng inyong Kongreso,” Acidre clarified.
“Hindi po kami ang magko-convict, remember? Mayroon pa hong trial sa Senado. I think it’s the proper venue, especially for the allegations na nakita namin doon sa mga naunang pagdinig,” he added.
Acidre also pointed out the positive economic impact of the impeachment move, noting that it shows the public is politically aware and committed to what is morally right.
“Ito po’y nagpapakita na matatag ang ating demokrasya. Pansin niyo kahapon nung nag-file po ng impeachment, medyo positive po ang merkado. Positive ang stock market, bakit? Siguro ay nararamdaman ng taumbayan na ang kanilang gobyerno, sa pangunguna ng ating Pangulo, is concerned with the everyday concerns ng ating taumbayan. But at the same time, intent with exacting accountability. Maybe not the executive, specifically but the government in totality,” he explained.
Bataan Representative Geraldine Roman assured that the impeachment process will be transparent and that the House is duty-bound to address the claims.
“Papakinggan natin lahat ng panig. Due process will be followed and this is in accordance with what we have been fighting for for the longest time. This is about the rule of law. We want to send a clear message to everyone. Kami po na gumagawa ng mga batas. Siyempre, kailangan namin i-uphold ang rule of law. Batas lamang po walang sinu-sino. Dapat lahat pantay-pantay,” Roman said.
“Is it correct in form and in substance? Substantiated ba yung mga claims? Meron bang ebidensya? And of course, I want to be fair. The entire process I hope and I’m sure and I’m confident will be transparent. So, kung ano man nadi-discover, natutuklasan, siyempre kailangan depensahan iyan ng mga nagpu-push ng impeachment case na ito,” Roman added.