FOR House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, all impeachment trials, by their very nature, are considered urgent.

Libanan, a member of the House prosecution panel for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasized that the urgency of removing an impeachable official stems from several key reasons.

“The first reason is to prevent further harm. If an official is abusing their power, breaking the law, or acting against the public interest, allowing them to remain in office could lead to greater damage,” Libanan stated.

“The second reason is to uphold the rule of law. Swift impeachment reinforces public accountability and ensures that no one is above the law,” he added.

“The third reason is to maintain public trust. Delays in impeachment proceedings can erode confidence in government institutions and create the perception that justice is not being served,” Libanan said.

“The fourth reason is to preserve institutional integrity. If an official is unfit for office, their continued stay can weaken the legitimacy of the institution they serve,” he pointed out.

The fifth reason, according to Libanan, is to prevent interference in the process.

He explained that the longer an impeachable official stays in power, the greater the risk of obstruction – whether through intimidation of witnesses, manipulation of the system, or other means to evade accountability.

Finally, Libanan highlighted the importance of setting a precedent to deter future misconduct by high public officials.

“Taking swift action sends a strong message that wrongdoing will not be tolerated and will be met with decisive consequences,” he asserted.

Libanan, a lawyer by profession, previously served as chairperson of the House committee on justice.

His statement follows Speaker Martin Romualdez’s reaffirmation of the House prosecution panel’s readiness for the impeachment trial of the Vice President.

“The House has fulfilled its duty by transmitting the Articles of Impeachment, and our prosecution panel stands ready to present the case as soon as the impeachment court is convened,” Romualdez said in a statement on March 19.

“We trust that the Senate will carry out its constitutional duty and proceed with the trial without unnecessary delays, in full adherence to the rule of law,” he added.

Article 11, Section 2 of the Constitution (Accountability of Public Officers) states: “The President, the Vice President, the Members of the Supreme Court, the Members of the Constitutional Commissions, and the Ombudsman may be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.”

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Jester P. Manalastas