THE CHAIR of the House Committee on Good Government has warned Vice President Sara Duterte that impeachment cases against her could swiftly progress under House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Rep. Joel Chua said that while impeachment follows constitutional mechanisms, it remains a “political process” influenced by lawmakers’ alliances.
“Kung gumalaw si speaker (Romualdez) e ‘di I’m sure tapos na agad ‘yan,” Chua said in a Dec. 11 interview with Facts First. “Malamang hindi na dadaan sa committee on justice ‘yan. Baka doon na lang ‘yan sa one-third ng miyembro.”
“Let’s face reality — kapag talaga namang ginalawan ‘yan e siyempre mas mabilis ‘yon.”
Impeachment proceedings originate in the House of Representatives, led by Romualdez, a first cousin of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who was the running mate of Duterte in the 2022 elections.
Typically, a complaint is referred to a House committee, which submits a report to the chamber. For the complaint to reach the Senate, at least one-third of House members must vote in favor.
Committee-level deliberations may be bypassed if the House plenary votes to do so, as in the case of deposed president Joseph Estrada, who was impeached by the House in 2000.
Chua however emphasized that while Romualdez could expedite the impeachment process in the House, the Senate remains a significant hurdle to Duterte’s removal from office.
Duterte, who is facing two impeachment complaints as of writing, would only be disqualified from public office if convicted by two-thirds of the Senate in a public trial.
“Magfa-file ka ng impeachment e ang panibago mong problema, may numero ka ba sa Senado? Kung wala kayong suporta, baka mamaya at the end of the day, exercise in futility rin,” Chua said.
The Senate is set to adjourn on Dec. 18 for the holidays and will resume sessions on Jan. 13, 2025. The House of Representatives will adjourn on Dec. 21 and reconvene on the same day as the Senate. Logan Zapanta
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