Congress leaders on Monday dismissed rumors of an impending impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying they are focused on constructive leadership instead of speculation.
The rumors, which stemmed from a social media post by former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, suggested that an impeachment move against the country’s second highest official could be in the works.
However, Assistant Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V was quick to shut down Roque’s claim.
“I have two crystal balls, but I don’t seem to see anything like that,” Ortega responded when asked on the matter during a press conference.
“I looked to the left, I looked to the right, but nothing. We’re sticking to the facts, of course, we’re sticking to the issues in the House of Representatives, and nothing like that is being discussed,” he added in jest.
Assistant Majority Leader and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Jil Bongalon echoed Ortega’s sentiments, confirming that there has been no talk of impeachment within the 300-plus-member legislative chamber.
Bongalon, nevertheless, acknowledged that it wouldn’t be entirely surprising if someone did try to file an impeachment case against the Vice President, given the current political climate.
“It’s not surprising, and we won’t be surprised if there are other groups or other individuals who would file one,” he said.
He pointed out that while she has been vocal in criticizing the government, especially given her former role as Secretary of Education, there has been little in terms of constructive solutions.
“Have we heard of a solution that she made regarding the low ranking of our students based on the latest PISA ranking?” Bongalon asked, referring to the country’s low ranking in Programme for International Student Assessment during Duterte’s time at the DepEd.
Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong also weighed in, saying that criticism should come with actionable solutions.
“It’s better if your criticism is constructive. All of us, we are working in the same government, working for the same constituency—Filipinos. So ultimately, whatever we propose, whatever we think is good for the country, the benefits and advantages will definitely be felt by the people,” Adiong said.
He noted that all public officials, including the Vice President, have a duty to propose alternatives if they criticize current policies.
“We hope she can provide us ng alternative solutions if she has one,” he added. Meanwhile, solons cited the need for former President Rodrigo Duterte and former Philippine National Police chief and Senator Ronald dela Rosa to testify before the House probe on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO)-related crimes and drug war deaths.
This developed as the the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, Committee on Human Rights, Committee on Public Order and Safety, and Committee on Public Accounts conducted its first meeting to set the ground rules for the conduct of the hearings.
At a news conference, Ako Bicol Rep. Jill Bongalon said the hearings to be conducted by the quad committee “is very significant.”
“We can finally discuss these serious concerns which are very grave in nature. The House has to act on it, and the invitation to attend the probe extended to the former President Duterte and Senator and former PNP Chief dela Rosa is very material. We really need to invite the competent witness or the witnesses, they are accused of being masterminds behind these crimes,” Bongalon added.
“This is an opportunity for them to address this issue by observing the fair play and them explaining their stand,” he said.
House Assistant Majority Leaders and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Adiong echoed Bongalon’s views, stressing that the hearings are not directed against anyone and beyond personalities but merely in aid of legislation.
“We hope that all of our invited guests will step up to the challenge. This is an opportunity for them to really ventilate their concerns and perhaps to explain to the House and ultimately, the public, who have so many questions regarding illegal drugs and other crimes,” Adiong said.
Bongalon said the absence of Duterte and dela Rosa are expected but this would not prevent the House probe from coming up with comprehensive and fair findings.
“Their absence is expected, but it won’t decimate the initiative in any way because there are a lot of people who are sending feelers so they can testify,” Bongalon said.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chair of the House committee on dangerous drugs, who will lead the congressional hearings said: “We will recommend prosecution against people in government that are involved in this shenanigan and remedial legislation that will address the problem.”
