There’s a big debate happening in the government right now, and it’s all about what to do next with the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. Some lawmakers think the House of Representatives should follow what the Senate impeachment court said. Others say, “Hold on! Let’s not rush.”
What’s the drama all about?
So here’s what happened:
The Senate impeachment court just sent the case back to the House of Representatives. They said, “Hey, before we go on, can you guys send us a paper saying that this impeachment case doesn’t break the rules?” Specifically, they want to be sure it doesn’t break the ‘one-year rule’ (which means you can’t file another impeachment case within one year unless it’s totally new).
But here’s the thing—Congress is about to end, and a new one called the 20th Congress will soon begin. That’s where things get tricky.
What did the lawmakers say?
🔹 Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega from La Union says,
“We’ll deal with that in the 20th Congress. The people will change, and we’ll be in a new Congress. But yes, we should still follow what the impeachment court told us.”
🔹 But Rep. Jude Acidre from Tingog Partylist disagrees.
He says, “Why do we need a new certificate? The impeachment papers we already signed should be enough!”
He even said, “I signed that document under oath. That’s more important than any extra certificate.”
🔹 Rep. France Castro from ACT Teachers Partylist thinks the Senate is showing that this case can continue into the new 20th Congress. She said, “It’s like they’re saying, ‘Okay, we know this will cross over to the next Congress.’”
What about incoming lawmakers?
🔹 Leila de Lima, who just got elected and is expected to help in the impeachment trial, said,
“We don’t need a new certificate. Just reappoint the lawyers (House prosecutors) and let them continue the fight.”
Are they still standing by the impeachment case?
Yes! Many lawmakers said they’re not changing their minds.
🔸 Acidre said, “We need to make sure those in power are held accountable. We can’t just ignore these things.”
🔸 Ortega added, “I already said the Senate must try the case. They don’t really have a choice.”
🔸 Antonio Tinio, another newly elected congressman who also helped file the case, said,
“I helped start this. I want to see it finish. VP Sara must answer for the confidential funds and other issues.”
What do they want the public to do?
The lawmakers are now asking the public to stay alert and speak up.
Tinio said,
“We need people to keep watching what’s happening. That’s what the Senate and House are really afraid of—when people pay attention and ask for accountability.”
Acidre even gave advice to the people:
“If you know your congressman, message them, write to them, tell them you care. Let them know they’re not alone and that people are watching.”
