Veep may still face legal battle after impeach trial
VICE President Sara Duterte may still be held liable for the return of the alleged misused public funds even if the impeachment court can only impose removal from office and disqualification from holding public office.
This is according to Manila Rep. Joel Chua – a member of the House prosecution panel as he explained that while the impeachment court’s authority is limited to these two penalties, a conviction would open the door for criminal and administrative cases to be filed against Duterte in other venues.
“Actually, ang sentensya po kasi sa impeachment complaint dalawa lang. Number one, removal at number two disqualification to hold public office. Now, yan pong order na yan ay pupuwede po yan sa ibang venue, sa korte po. Pagka once na convict na po siya sa impeachment, pupuwede naman pong kasuhan sa Ombudsman ang ating vice president dito po sa mga kasong ito,” Chua, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government, replied when asked by the media during the daily press briefing at the House.
House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of La Union echoed this, affirming that further legal action could follow a conviction.
“Ah, nasagot na po ni Cong. Joel. Ganun po talaga ‘yung track nuon,” Ortega said.
Ortega, however, said that predicting the outcome of these proceedings remains uncertain.
“So, ang sa akin naman po, wala eh waiting game eh. Mapre-predict ba ‘yung future? Malabo na kasi ‘yung crystal ball ko na ginamit ko nung Quad Comm eh, kaya kailangan na siguro ng bagong crystal ball para dito,” he quipped.
Chua reiterated that the Constitution is clear on the two possible penalties that the impeachment court can impose.
Meanwhile, Chua also addressed the ongoing case against Duterte involving Mary Grace Piattos, a key issue in the impeachment complaint. He assured that the prosecution has strong evidence, including official documents.
He cautioned, however, that delays in the trial could pose risks to the integrity of the evidence and the security of witnesses.
Chua emphasized the psychological toll that prolonged proceedings could have on key witnesses.
