A HOUSE leader on Thursday expressed support for 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.
Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V agreed with Escudero’s stance that senators should refrain from prejudging cases that may come before them.
“Tama po ’yun. Actually, nakikiisa po tayo sa statement ni Senate President Chiz,” Ortega stated during a press conference at the House of Representatives.
He elaborated: “Kasi wala naman pong judge na sasabihin niya na pabor siya o hindi pabor sa ganitong kaso. Kahit saan pong judiciary kayo pumunta, wala pong judge na pupunta sa social media o kaya man lang sa publication na sasabihin niya na hindi ako pabor sa ganito, hindi ako pabor sa impeachment, pabor ako sa—wala pong gumagawa noon.”
Ortega emphasized the importance of Escudero’s cautionary advice.
“Kaya nga nagbigay ng word of caution si Senate President. At tama naman po, ’yun naman po dapat ang gawin na, if ever it reaches the Senate,” he said.
The impeachment complaints against Vice President Duterte allege misuse of public funds, betrayal of public trust and other high crimes.
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.
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