The Senate’s preparations for a possible impeachment trial would help ensure the smooth handling of the case against Vice President Sara Duterte, allowing proceedings to move in an orderly manner and without delay should it be elevated, House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin said on Thursday.She welcomed the Senate’s readiness and the arrangements being made to tackle the potential trial as the House committee on justice is set to conclude its proceedings on April 29.
‘Preparations at this stage help ensure that our institutions are ready to carry out their respective roles under the Constitution,’ Garin said in a statement.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said on Tuesday that the Senate may convene as an impeachment court as early as May 4, when Congress resumes from its six-week break, should the articles of impeachment against Duterte be sent to the chamber.
On Wednesday, the House committee on justice held its third session to assess whether the complaints against Duterte have merit and whether probable cause has been established based on the accusations.
‘The House is doing the work of building the record, carefully and within the rules,’ Garin said.
Disclosures by the AMLC and the Office of the Ombudsman during Wednesday’s hearing may add pressure on Duterte, who faces impeachment efforts over allegations of misusing P612.5 million in confidential funds and amassing wealth beyond what her income would have allowed.
Also included are accusations that Duterte plotted to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, while also alleging she conspired to destabilize the government.
‘We are confident that the next stage, should it be reached, will likewise be guided by the Constitution and by the shared responsibility to ensure that the process remains fair, transparent, and credible,’ Garin said.
She said the proceedings are not aimed at presuming that Duterte’s guilty of the impeachment charges.
‘The goal is not to prejudge any party, but to allow the process to unfold in the proper forum where facts can be tested and clarified,’ Garin said.