House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V supported Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero’s appeal for senators to avoid public statements on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte to ensure impartiality.
Ortega agreed with Escudero’s stance that senators should refrain from prejudging cases that may come before them.
“That was correct. Actually, we are one with the statement of Senate President Chiz,” he said during a press conference at the House of Representatives, underscoring the importance of such cautionary advice.
“That is why the Senate President gave his word of caution. That is the right thing to do [not to prejudge the case with statements, pronouncements], if ever it reaches the Senate,” Ortega said.
The impeachment complaints against Vice President Duterte stemmed from alleged misuse of public funds, betrayal of public trust and other high crimes. Another complaint will reportedly be filed again at the House of Representatives by next week.
According to the Philippine Constitution, the House has the exclusive power to initiate all cases of impeachment.
Once a verified complaint is filed, it is referred to the House Committee on Justice, which determines its sufficiency in form and substance.
If the committee finds the complaint sufficient, it submits a report to the House plenary.
A vote of at least one-third of all House members is required to approve the Articles of Impeachment, which are then transmitted to the Senate for trial.
Ortega stressed that both the House and the Senate must adhere to due process and maintain objectivity throughout the proceedings to ensure fairness and uphold public trust.