Sara’s presidential bid won’t derail impeachment process — Defensor

Vice President Sara Duterte’s declaration to run for president may reshape political alignments but will not derail the constitutional process on the impeachment complaints filed against her.

This was aired by House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor of Iloilo, who said: “It’s a strategic decision to strengthen her following. Lalo na may mga impeachment complaints na nakahain laban sa kanya. Mabuti din sa kanya para malaman niya kung sino talaga ang mga kakampi niya, kung sino ang hindi niya mga kakampi.”

Defensor noted that the timing of her declaration could consolidate her base.

The solon said the impeachment complaints would still follow the normal route in the House of Representatives.

“I hope that we will be as independent as possible. Mas mabuti na ‘yung malaman ng mga tao. We are doing our constitutional duty in processing the impeachment complaints,” Defensor said.

Defensor added that the complaints will be referred to the Committee on Justice for determination of sufficiency in form and substance.

“It will not affect how the process will go on in terms of hearing it, in terms of deliberations in the Committee on Justice,” Defensor said. He clarified, however, that endorsers of the complaints remain resolute.

“Those who endorse the impeachment complaints are very firm on their position that there was an impeachable offense committed,” Defensor said.

Defensor dismissed suggestions that Duterte’s presidential bid would pressure lawmakers.

“No, hindi naman pinipigilan. I don’t see any reason to say na may pumipigil o may nag-influence,” he said.

He acknowledged the political reality facing House members, especially with the 2028 elections drawing nearer.

“And we also have to take into consideration na malapit na ang 2028. But I can assure you that, as far as the Committee on Justice is concerned, the chairman and its members will be objective in hearing and deliberating the impeachment complaints based on the Constitution,” Defensor added.

For now, Defensor does not see the numbers for an immediate elevation of the complaints to the Senate.

“As of right now, as of today, I cannot see getting one-third of endorsements from the members of the House of Representatives. But I can tell you right now that aabot ito sa Committee on Justice,” Defensor said.

“As of today, malabo ‘yung express na may one-third endorsement and immediate transmittal to the Senate for trial forthwith,” he added.

Observers were urged by Defensor to allow the process to unfold.

“I can’t say right now. Hayaan na muna nating ilatag ng mga complainant at mga endorsers ang kanilang ebidensiya, and let’s leave it to the members to decide for themselves if they think it will be sufficient in form and sufficient in substance,” Defensor said.