‘Impeach Sara’ buzz swirls in House; leaders douse rumors
Credit to Author: Delon Porcalla| Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — Leaders of the House of Representatives belied “circulating rumors” of an alleged plot to file an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Impeachment moves versus VP Sara, fake news,” read a statement released yesterday by House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, dismissing the rumors as “baseless and detrimental to political unity.”
The Zamboanga City congressman doused speculation that House leaders were behind the move, describing it as “unfounded” and mere attempts to sow discord between the Vice President and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
“There is no truth in them,” the administration stalwart of the ruling Lakas-CMD reiterated.
Dalipe, along with Rep. Erwin Tulfo of party-list ACT-CIS, likewise denied insinuations the Speaker has “presidential aspirations for 2028” which means the two – Duterte and Romualdez – are likely on a collision course.
“Speaker Romualdez is currently dedicated to advancing legislation in support of President Bongbong Marcos’ agenda to improve the lives of Filipinos, and no decision has been made regarding a presidential bid,” Dalipe insisted.
“The goal is to unite for the people and progress, not against Sara Duterte or her family. The Speaker’s instructions before leaving for the US were to continue working and passing laws needed by the executive department,” Tulfo said.
“The unity is focused on moving the country forward, following the directive of President Marcos to stand together,” he added.
In his capacity as deputy majority leader for communications, Tulfo said that he reached out to key leaders of the House, including the Speaker, and confirmed that there was no substance to the purported impeachment discussions.
He further pointed out that there is presently no impeachable offense attributed to the VP, and any future considerations would depend on the presence of valid grounds such as violation of the 1987 Constitution, treason, or loss of public trust.
In reference to future possibilities, he emphasized the need to assess the substance of any potential impeachment proceedings.
“Perhaps, in the future, with additional facts, details may emerge, altering the situation. However, currently, there’s no substance, and it requires further review. As per the leadership, there’s no discussion or plan for impeachment when we return on Monday,” Tulfo said.