Introduction
MANILA — There have been no orders from House Speaker Martin Romualdez to have Vice President Sara Duterte impeached, lawmakers from the House majority said, adding there is no talk of it at the lower chamber either.
They issued the statements following reports of a message allegedly sent by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to House leaders urging against impeachment because it will distract government from its work.
No Instructions from House Leaders
“Hindi ko pa po alam ‘yan. Wala naman po akong nare-receive na communication from the House leadership,” Manila Rep. Joel Chua said on Thursday.
(I don’t know anything about that. I have not received any communication from the House leadership)
Concerns Over Vice President Duterte’s Impeachment
The topic of Vice President Duterte’s potential impeachment has been a focal point of concern among lawmakers. Despite the gravity of the situation, there has been little to no dialogue from House leadership about how to navigate this complex issue. Lawmakers are left to discuss the implications of proceeding without a structured approach, which may hinder legislative progress. Some members advocate for a more proactive stance, while others recommend waiting for clearer signals from their leaders.
Castro said Duterte might face a complaint for betrayal of public trust over alleged irregularities in the use of confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, an issue that a House panel is already investigating.
A House member can file a verified impeachment complaint or endorse one filed by a citizen. That complaint will then be referred to a House committee for action.
NO IMPEACHMENT TALK AT BUDGET BICAM
House Speaker Martin Romualdez and members were also mum about reports of impeachment as they convened a bicameral conference committee to reconcile the differences in versions of the proposed 2025 national budget.
Romualdez avoided the media and House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan of 4Ps Party-List did not answer questions from reporters either.
“Wala pa so far. Tingnan natin kung ano mangyayari,” Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon said.
(There is none so far. Let’s see what will happen)
