January 20, 2025
Manila – House members urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. not to interfere in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment proceedings, stressing the government’s “constitutional obligation” to hold him accountable.
“President Marcos should not interfere in the impeachment proceedings. Congress has a constitutional obligation to handle the case immediately. The people should be held accountable and accountable,” House Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Frans Castro said in a statement on Sunday. transparency. “
Castro and former ACT teacher representative Antonio Tinio urged lawmakers to move quickly on impeachment proceedings, citing public demands for justice.
“If we get 103 supporters next week, the case can be immediately brought to the Senate and there will be no problem with attendance or numbers because the Senate will take care of the matter from there,” Castro explained in Filipino.
“The Senate can address this issue immediately or convene a special session if necessary,” she added.
read: Fourth impeachment of Sara Duterte could come soon – House executive
Tinio echoed Castro's call, warning against letting technological issues hinder the pursuit of justice.
“Accountability should not be set aside simply because of technicalities or issues. We cannot allow procedural or electoral issues to obstruct justice,” Tinio said.
“When we remove accountability for technical reasons, we only encourage corrupt officials and weaken democratic institutions,” he added.
Castro similarly called on other lawmakers to prioritize good governance and accountability.
“This is not about politics, but about upholding the principles of good governance and ensuring that public officials remain accountable to the Filipino people,” she said.
The complainants and their supporters held a press conference after mass at the Edsa Shrine in Quezon City on Thursday, January 16, to call for justice.
read: Complainant urges House of Representatives: Impeachment of Vice President Duterte a 'moral imperative'
The first impeachment complaint was filed on December 2 last year and was supported by Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña.
The second document was submitted by Bagong Alyansan Makabayan (Bayan) on December 4, and the third document was submitted by religious group and lawyer leaders on December 19.
“The impeachment process is not about personal grudges or political vendettas. It is a moral obligation to hold those in power accountable,” the groups said in an open letter read at the meeting.
