Speaker says Senate's move to return articles of impeachment vs VP Duterte 'deeply concerning'
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Speaker says Senate's move to return articles of impeachment vs VP Duterte 'deeply concerning'
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message during the welcome lunch for the Philippine delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2024 at the Grandhotel Belvedere in Davos, Switzerland on January 15, 2024. House of Representatives handout/File
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message during the welcome lunch for the Philippine delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2024 at the Grandhotel Belvedere in Davos, Switzerland on January 15, 2024. House of Representatives handout/FileMANILA -- The Senate impeachment court’s move to return to the House of Representatives the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte is “deeply concerning,” according to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
MANILA -- The Senate impeachment court’s move to return to the House of Representatives the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte is “deeply concerning,” according to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
In his closing speech during the House plenary session on Wednesday, Romualdez asserted that the articles were transmitted by the lower chamber “in accordance with the Constitution”, and with the support of 215 or more than 2/3 of House members. The move, he said, was in response to people’s call for accountability.
In his closing speech during the House plenary session on Wednesday, Romualdez asserted that the articles were transmitted by the lower chamber “in accordance with the Constitution”, and with the support of 215 or more than 2/3 of House members. The move, he said, was in response to people’s call for accountability.
“I rise — not in defiance — but with resolve, guided by duty, grounded in principle. The decision of the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, to return the articles of impeachment is deeply concerning,” the House leader said.
“I rise — not in defiance — but with resolve, guided by duty, grounded in principle. The decision of the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, to return the articles of impeachment is deeply concerning,” the House leader said.
“Let me speak plainly, yet with utmost respect. The House of Representatives acted not out of haste, but with deliberate care. We follow the law, we honored our mandated, and above all, we stood for what the Filipino people deserve,” Romualdez added.
“Let me speak plainly, yet with utmost respect. The House of Representatives acted not out of haste, but with deliberate care. We follow the law, we honored our mandated, and above all, we stood for what the Filipino people deserve,” Romualdez added.
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“Indeed, a government that answers to its citizens, the House is not only the voice of the people, it’s a guardian of their trust when allegations arise that threaten public confidence in our institutions, our duty is clear — to seek the truth, to uphold transparency, and to demand accountability without fear, without favor,” he noted.
“Indeed, a government that answers to its citizens, the House is not only the voice of the people, it’s a guardian of their trust when allegations arise that threaten public confidence in our institutions, our duty is clear — to seek the truth, to uphold transparency, and to demand accountability without fear, without favor,” he noted.
Duterte was impeached in early February on charges of graft, corruption and an alleged assassination plot against former ally and running mate President Ferdinand Marcos.
Duterte was impeached in early February on charges of graft, corruption and an alleged assassination plot against former ally and running mate President Ferdinand Marcos.
A guilty verdict would see her removed from office and permanently barred from politics.
A guilty verdict would see her removed from office and permanently barred from politics.
Tuesday night's 18-5 Senate vote ordered the House to certify it had not violated the constitution by hearing three impeachment complaints before the one that ultimately went to a vote.
Tuesday night's 18-5 Senate vote ordered the House to certify it had not violated the constitution by hearing three impeachment complaints before the one that ultimately went to a vote.
The constitution bars subjecting anyone to multiple impeachment proceedings within the same year.
The constitution bars subjecting anyone to multiple impeachment proceedings within the same year.
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ACCOUNTABLE
Meanwhile, Senator-elect Panfilo Lacson said there are Constitutional concerns regarding the Senate’s decision to remand the impeachment complaint.
Meanwhile, Senator-elect Panfilo Lacson said there are Constitutional concerns regarding the Senate’s decision to remand the impeachment complaint.
“I agree with the opinion of the Philippine Constitution Association that constitutional concerns were raised when the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, returned the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte back to the House of Representatives,” he said in a statement.
“I agree with the opinion of the Philippine Constitution Association that constitutional concerns were raised when the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, returned the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte back to the House of Representatives,” he said in a statement.
He said the Senate, even after constituting itself into an Impeachment Court, may still be subject to judicial review by the Supreme Court if its action constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
He said the Senate, even after constituting itself into an Impeachment Court, may still be subject to judicial review by the Supreme Court if its action constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
“It is also worth reiterating that Article XI of our Constitution is very clear: Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people,” said Lacson.
“It is also worth reiterating that Article XI of our Constitution is very clear: Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people,” said Lacson.
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