Impeachment Proceedings Against Vice President Sara Duterte: No 2028 Election Link
House Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan firmly stated that the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte have no connection to the upcoming 2028 presidential race. Libanan, who serves as the lead prosecutor in the case, addressed widespread assumptions suggesting that the impeachment is politically motivated due to Duterte’s potential candidacy in the next presidential election.
“May kasabihan: Presidents are made in heaven, di ba? Hindi natin alam kung sino ang magpe-presidente satin sa 2028. Walang nakakaalam,” Libanan told reporters recently. He emphasized that predicting the next president is premature since the 2028 elections remain far off. “History would tell us na pag malapit na, dun na lang, tsaka na lang natin nalalaman kung sino magpe-presidente. Malayo po ito sa ating–kung yan ang iisipin natin,” he added.
Constitutional Duty Drives Impeachment Process
Vice President Duterte faces seven articles of impeachment lodged by the House of Representatives, which must be tried by the Senate sitting as an impeachment court. Libanan stressed that the ongoing process is a constitutional obligation, not a political maneuver. “Ang importante ngayon, tayo po ay nandito. May mga tungkulin po tayo dito sa mga sinumpaan natin na mga katungkulan. Kami po ay gumagawa lang ng aming obligasyon sa Constitution,” he said.
When asked about claims circulating online that link the impeachment to the 2028 elections, Libanan responded, “That is their opinion. Pero pwede ngang ma-dismiss after trial. Pwedeng ma-convict, pwedeng ma-dismiss. Mahaba pang paglalakbay na ito.” He reminded the public that the entire impeachment process is clearly outlined by the Constitution.
Details of the Seven Articles of Impeachment
The articles against Vice President Duterte are serious and varied:
1. Conspiracy to assassinate President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
2. Malversation of P612.5 million in confidential funds.
3. Bribery and corruption within the Department of Education (DepEd).
4. Unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets.
5. Alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings (EJK).
6. Destabilization, insurrection, and inciting public disorder.
7. The totality of her conduct as Vice President.
Libanan’s statements clarify that these proceedings are a legal process grounded in constitutional mandates, distinct from any political ambitions or speculations about the 2028 presidential race. “What does the Constitution provide? Yung whole procedure na ito ay pino-provide po ng ating Constitution,” he reiterated.
For more news and updates on impeachment proceedings, visit Filipinokami.com.