Inday Sara conundrum

Inday Sara conundrum | Daily Tribune

The challenge confronting several political forces in dealing with Vice President Sara Duterte’s Teflon-like resilience now confronts the dominant National Unity Party (NUP), a dilemma likely to sharpen as the 2028 elections draw nearer.

The NUP issued a statement signaling that it may withhold support for the impeachment of VP Duterte unless compelling new evidence is presented — not recycled allegations from last year’s aborted proceedings.

Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, who heads the party, said that based on the charges filed recently in the House, the proceedings will be a mere reprise of what was already revealed in past discussions and investigations.

Still, Puno said the party will be prepared to assess any new evidence presented.

He cited the new rules in place as a result of the Supreme Court decision, in gist, that although an impeachment is a political exercise, it must also have the components of a legal process.

Thus, the filing of charges, the information to the accused, and then the hearing on the evidence would have to be observed.

Puno said the impeachment hearings must be cut short if the charges are to consist only of those already covered by the Quadcomm.

“We shouldn’t redo the whole thing and maybe just turn over the records of the Quadcomm to the Justice Committee so they can use that and not waste time rehearing everything,” Puno said.

House members who are banking on maximum exposure in a probe by a reconstituted Quadcomm are not expected to go along with Puno’s proposal.

Puno cited the past Quadcomm anchoring the effort to oust VP Duterte on confidential funds, which the longtime public servant said was covered by different regulations and procedures.

“Most of the evidence that was shown in the previous Congress was that, you know, the recipients were fictitious, but that’s not against the procedure because intelligence funds by their very character are supposed to be confidential,” Puno pointed out.

The House leader said that not using real names for recipients is common.

“The real question about the confidential funds is whether the funds were used for personal use. Were these pocketed? And if you review the Quadcomm, I don’t think they got there,” he said.

Instead of the headline-hogging fictitious names, the focus should be on Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) records that should indicate if the funds went to personal accounts.

“If they exist, then I think this is the time to show them to the Justice Committee,” Puno suggested.

Another hurdle in the process is the uncertainty about whether a trial will be held in the Senate.

“If there is (no certainty), then I don’t know why we will push this,” he said.

“In the previous hearings, there was no evidence that the money was pocketed,” Puno underscored.

The likely position of the NUP, however, will not be a uniform stand since some of its members are intent on impeachment, thus “everyone will be allowed to vote the way he wants to vote.”

Puno acknowledged that the question of Vice President Sara has triggered disagreements within the party, which it hopes to resolve by letting the evidence speak for itself.

Vice President Duterte’s strong survey numbers are creating a climate where most may be inclined toward “fair play” rather than pursue an agenda tied to the moment of truth in 2028.The escalation of tensions in Iran, exacerbated by the joint military action of Israel and the United States, has once again brought to our government’s attention the urgent need to prioritize the safety of our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in conflict-stricken areas.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is about to raise the crisis alert level for Iran to 3, which will allow for voluntary repatriation.

While repatriation is not mandatory under Alert Level 3, those wishing to leave can do so with government assistance. The automatic repatriation mechanisms should be transparent and accessible, and must ensure that funds are readily available for immediate evacuation.

The Filipino community in Iran is relatively small, about 800 individuals, compared to the large community in Israel, which numbers some 31,000. But every life matters, and addressing the uncertainty and fear for their safety requires more than just advisories but concrete actions and support.

The situation in the Middle East is a significant concern. OFWs caught in this powder keg contribute to both their host countries and to the Philippine economy by sending essential remittances back home. Ensuring their safety must always be our top priority.

A timely, coordinated response is crucial, including establishing a Middle East Crisis Command Center. This response should not only focus on communications but on actionable measures to safeguard OFWs in regions experiencing unrest.

Hearing that the bicameral conference committee has allocated additional funding for this cause is very reassuring. However, this commitment must translate into concrete actions that prioritize the safety and security of our people. We must also consider the needs of Filipino travelers who are stranded due to flight cancellations.

Temporary support and comprehensive communication strategies are key to ensuring that those affected are not without assistance or information during crises or emergencies.

Establishing reliable communication methods is necessary to save lives. Emergency hotlines, check-in systems, and readily accessible connectivity options can help reassure OFWs and their families. Many of these workers are engaged in sectors that are particularly vulnerable, such as domestic work and caregiving, where mobility is limited and quick access to information can mean the difference between safety and danger.

The government has an obligation to protect its citizens, especially those who bravely seek opportunities abroad to provide for their families.

Tensions in the Middle East continue to fluctuate. Proactive measures and transparent communication must be at the forefront of our response.

Strengthening protective measures for OFWs is not an overreaction; it is a necessary step to ensure that our citizens feel safe and supported, wherever they are in the world.

Behind every statistic is a person — a Filipino worker striving for a better life. The steps we take today will not only impact their lives but will also shape the reputation of our nation as one that prioritizes and values its people, regardless of the circumstances they face.

(You may send comments and reactions to feedback032020@gmail.com or text 0931-1057135.)