ACIDRE
CLEAR LANGUAGE
HOUSE Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs chairman Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre rejected claims that vague constitutional language caused delays in the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that the Constitution’s wording is already very clear.
This came after Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero remarked that the term “forthwith” used in the Constitution to trigger the start of an impeachment trial could have instead been worded as “immediately” to remove any doubt about its intended urgency.
During a Zoom press conference, Acidre was firm in his stance that the current language of the Constitution is unambiguous.
“Well sa totoo lang ho, nasa Konstitusyon at klarong-klaro po ang paggamit ng salitang forthwith ano?” Acidre said.
He pointed out that the meaning of “forthwith” is accessible and established.
“Nakikita naman natin sa diksyunaryo kung ano ibig sabihin noon,” Acidre added, challenging the suggestion that constitutional language was at fault for procedural delays.
Acidre further emphasized his respect for Escudero but questioned the implications of the Senate leader’s remarks.
“Malaki po ang ating paggalang kay Senate President Chiz Escudero at unless he is suggesting na ang pinaka-mainam dito ay muli nating balangkasin ang ating Konstitusyon, wala ho na siguro akong masasabi kasi napakalinaw naman ho ng nakasaad sa Konstitusyon,” Acidre added.
He stressed that it is inappropriate to blame the Constitution’s wording for the perceived delay in convening the Senate for the impeachment trial.
Senate President Escudero had earlier suggested that the use of “forthwith” in the Constitution may have allowed some room for delay or interpretation, suggesting “immediately” would have conveyed more urgency in beginning the Senate trial.
However, Acidre maintained that such an interpretation is unnecessary and undermines the actual clarity of the law.
He noted that the Constitution should be read in good faith and understood in line with its commonly accepted definitions.
