Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said the Senate should focus its efforts on its constitutional role as an impeachment court instead of reopening hearings on the controversial flood control issue.
According to Acidre, the Senate should prioritize proceedings related to the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte rather than conduct hearings that could distract the public and shift attention away from the impeachment process.
The congressman said it would be better to allow the Office of the Ombudsman to continue the investigation into the flood control controversy, adding that the courts are the proper forum for the matter at this stage.
Acidre noted that cases have already started to be filed against certain individuals connected to the issue.
He emphasized that the same standards applied in the impeachment proceedings should also govern the handling of the flood control allegations, particularly in allowing evidence to guide the process while observing due process and avoiding politically motivated timing.
“If it were up to me, the process should be based on evidence, with the same discipline and due process being observed in the impeachment trial,” Acidre said.
The lawmaker also warned that reopening every controversy in the Senate while the impeachment proceedings are ongoing could divide public attention despite the Constitution assigning specific responsibilities to institutions involved in the trial.
Acidre said institutions should avoid turning every controversy into a political weapon, especially at a time when the public needs clarity instead of political noise.
He also stressed that only the Senate has the constitutional authority to acquit or convict the vice president during an impeachment trial, with senators serving as senator-judges in the proceedings.
The Senate has yet to issue a statement regarding Acidre’s remarks on the flood control hearings and impeachment priorities.
