House working on impeachment strategy, awareness campaign
DEPUTY Majority Leader Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor has discussed what further actions the House of Representatives shall take after the transmission of the verified impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Senate.
The lawmaker said the House shall continue strategizing its approach to the trial, even as plans to conduct an awareness campaign are being finalized to help the public better understand the impeachment procedure.
A member of the House prosecution team, Defensor said he plans to present the Articles of Impeachment in a clear and straightforward manner to ensure public comprehension.
“Igihan po natin na planuhin ang bawat Article of Impeachment na malatag ng simple, klaro, para sa sambayanan at magiging husgado sa Senado,” he said.
While he would like the trial to begin soon, Defensor acknowledged that the start of proceedings is up to the Senate.
However, Defensor said the impeachment process is distinct from the usual legislative process and the Senate may consider convening at any time, even before the opening of the regular session in June.
He also said that the trial may extend into the next Congress if time is insufficient.
1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodrigo Gutierrez, another member of the prosecution team, also noted that the trial could proceed and continue even with the election of new members of the House in May “because the Senate is a continuing body.”
Assistant Deputy Majority Leader Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto-Adiong, meanwhile, disputed claims that lawmakers were pressured to sign, stating that these are “fake news.”
“Ito po ay diversionary tactic na ginagawa ng mga tao o grupo na ina-assail po nila ‘yong integrity ng House, ‘yong merits ng kaso o nung complaint na ipasa natin, na tinransmit po natin sa Senate,” he stated.
Defensor also explained how the impeachment complaint evolved, noting that the fourth complaint, which gained the support of over 200 lawmakers was the result of consultations among party leaders who refined the earlier complaints.
He added that the final complaint was clearer and stronger in its presentation, garnering support from more lawmakers.
“We filed the best impeachment complaint there is,” Defensor said, adding that all signatories had ample time to review the case.
He surmised that personal considerations of some lawmakers might have influenced their decision not to sign the transmitted impeachment complaint.
