The impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte may be filed “as is,” according to House Committee on Public Accounts Chair Terry L. Ridon of Bicol Saro Party-list over the weekend, stressing that the Supreme Court (SC) ruling did not touch the substance of the case.
“Yes, it could be filed as is since there is no debate to the form, and substance,” Ridon, a lawyer, said during the Saturday Media Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
The solon said the facts cited in the earlier complaint remain unchanged.
“So in a refiling of Vice President impeachment case, I don’t think the facts have changed from last year. We’re still going to be talking about the use of confidential funds and death threats against the President, the First Lady and the former House Speaker,” Ridon said.
He added that it remains unclear whether there will be an additional complaint this time.
“Hindi lang ako sigurado kung may mga additional basis for an impeachment this year,” Ridon said.
Also, House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability Chair Joel Chua of Manila said the High Court ruling focused on technical issues and did not rule on the merits of the impeachment complaint.
“They did not decide the substance of the impeachment complaint. What we are talking here is heer technicality,” Chua, also a lawyer, said.
Ridon stressed that impeachment is the exclusive prerogative of Congress.
He said impeachment is the sole prerogative of the legislature, and decisions should be based on facts, evidence, and the conscience of House members.
Chua said impeachment complaints may initially lack numbers but can gain support once lawmakers examine their substance.
“Marami namang pagkakataon na kung makikita po ninyo ang impeachment complaint ay filed noong una na walang suporta pero nang ito ay nailatag, nang ito ay nakita na ang substance, nagkakaroon ng suporta,” Chua said.
He cited past impeachment cases to illustrate how momentum can shift as proceedings move forward.
“During the impeacgment of former President Erap, they control the House, but when it’s substance was determined it was filed to the Senate,” said Chua.
He also recalled the impeachment of former Chief Justice Renato Corona.
“At first the impeachment complaint filed against former Chief Justice Renato, it has no support, but when the tiral progresses the pulse changed along with the votes,” said Chua said. “So tama ang sinasabi ni Cong. Terry Ridon, ito ay magiging base sa konsiyensya.”