The impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte may be refiled as is, according to Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, noting that the Supreme Court ruling did not touch the substance of the case.
“Yes, it can be refiled as is. In fact, there is no debate when it comes to form. There is no debate on the substance,” Ridon said.
The High Court recently affirmed its earlier ruling that the impeachment against Duterte was invalid because it violated the one-year constitutional ban and due process.
Ridon said the facts cited in the earlier complaint remain unchanged.
“So, in refiling the 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,” he said.
Ridon, however, said it remains unclear whether there would be additional complaints this year against the vice president. He underscored that impeachment remains an exclusive prerogative of Congress.
Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said the High Court ruling focused on technical issues and did not rule on the merits of the impeachment complaint.
On the other hand, Chua said an impeachment complaint may initially lack numbers but can gain support once lawmakers examine their substance. He cited past impeachment cases to illustrate how momentum can shift as proceedings move forward.
“The impeachment filed against ex-President Joseph Estrada was under the control of the House of Representative. When seen there was a substance, then it was filed at the Senate,” he recalled.
“When the impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Renato Corona was filed, at first, there was no support. But as the trial had progressed, the pulse and vote had changed. So, what Congressman Ridon is saying is right. The conscience will just be the basis,” Chua added.
