House of Representatives’ Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability chair, Rep. Joel Chua, said in a statement on Thursday that there are grounds for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Chua was responding to questions about the ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of confidential funds by the Vice President, which amount to around P600 million.
“Kung tatanungin po sa akin kung may grounds for impeachment, definitely meron po. Ngayon, kung ito po ay magpo-proceed sa impeachment, it’s a very challenging question dahil alam naman po natin yung sitwasyon natin ngayon,” Chua said.
“By next year, simula na po ng kampanya. So, medyo hindi ko po alam kung ito po ay posible,” he added.
Chua emphasized that there are questionable documents that have been released, and the committee members are all wondering where the funds were spent.
He also pointed out that an official from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) was cited in contempt for undue interference in the hearing proceedings. This occurred when the official was questioned about a letter the OVP sent to the Commission on Audit, asking the agency not to cooperate with the House committee.
The Vice President had previously stated that she would not attend any hearings, arguing that the proceedings were not conducted in aid of legislation.
She has denied any misuse of funds. She appeared at the first hearing and rejected all claims that the committee members considered valid reasons for the probe.
“I am appearing before you today not only as the head of office, but more importantly as the newly authorized representative of all officials of the OVP. Simply because we have not done anything wrong,” Duterte said
“There is no misuse of funds. If there are audit findings, we will gladly respond to them before the Commission on Audit. And if there are legitimate cases to be filed, then we will gladly respond to them before the appropriate courts in relation to this,” Duterte added.