Confidence in Upholding Impeachment Complaint
Iloilo’s 3rd district representative Lorenz Defensor expressed strong confidence that neither the House of Representatives nor the Senate will permit any signatories to retract their support for the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. This reassurance comes amid circulating rumors suggesting some lawmakers are reconsidering their stance.
Defensor, who serves as one of the 11 solon-prosecutors in the forthcoming Senate impeachment trial, stated on Monday, May 19, “Maaaring may magsubok niyan, pero hindi ko nakikitang papayagan pa ‘yan ng Kongreso, lalo na ng Senado. Hindi rin maganda ‘yon para kayong nagbalimbing sa sarili ninyong impeachment complaint.” (Someone might attempt that, but I don’t see Congress—especially the Senate—allowing it. It wouldn’t look good either, as it would be like turning your back on your own impeachment complaint.)
Progress Toward the Senate Impeachment Trial
The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte gained the support of at least 215 House members when it was filed on February 5. Although it took months for the Senate trial to be scheduled, preparations appear to be moving forward with hearings expected to start in July. This timing coincides with the seating of the newly elected 12 senators from the May 12 elections.
Defensor emphasized that moving forward with the impeachment trial is essential to provide clarity and resolution to the nation. “Mas magandang matuloy na ito, matapos, at may closure ang Pilipinas. Kung sasabihin ng senator-judges natin na walang kasalanan ang Vice President, napakadaling tanggapin ‘yun ng mga miyembro ng Kongreso at katunggali niya. Pero kung may pananagutan siya, dapat ring tanggapin ang desisyon,” he explained. (It’s better for this to proceed, to get finished, and bring closure to the Philippines. If our senator-judges declare that the Vice President is innocent, Congress members and even his opponents can easily accept that. But if he is found accountable, the decision must also be accepted.)
Seven Articles of Impeachment Detailed
The impeachment complaint consists of seven articles outlining various accusations against Vice President Duterte:
Article 1: Conspiracy Allegations
Alleged conspiracy to assassinate President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Article 2: Financial Misconduct
Malversation involving P612.5 million from confidential funds.
Article 3: Corruption in Education
Bribery and corruption within the Department of Education.
Article 4: Asset Issues
Unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets.
Article 5: Extrajudicial Killings
Alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings.
Article 6: Political Instability
Charges related to destabilization, insurrection, and public disorder.
Article 7: Overall Conduct
A summary of the respondent’s overall conduct as Vice President.
As the impeachment trial approaches, attention remains fixed on how the Senate will handle the proceedings and whether the complaint will gain full support without any withdrawals.
For more news and updates on impeachment complaint withdrawal, visit Filipinokami.com.