Several lawmakers said the Supreme Court’s ruling on the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte centered on procedural technicalities rather than the issue of accountability, as the House of Representatives signaled readiness to accept new complaints once the one-year ban expires.
Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon said the House under the 20th Congress is prepared to receive fresh impeachment complaints that may be filed after the one-year bar rule ends on Feb. 6.
Ridon made the statement after the Supreme Court denied the House motion for reconsideration regarding its declaration that the Articles of Impeachment filed against Duterte during the 19th Congress were unconstitutional.
Ridon said he respects the Supreme Court’s decision on the earlier impeachment proceedings involving the vice president. He added that lawmakers must now discuss whether the House rules on impeachment should be amended, while also considering adopting the high court’s guidelines in principle.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III also acknowledged the ruling, saying impeachment is a process clearly defined by the Constitution with specific standards. Dy stressed the importance of caution, noting that impeachment is a mechanism of accountability tied to the mandate entrusted to lawmakers.
Manila Third District Rep. Joel Chua, a member of the prosecution team, said he will meet with colleagues to discuss how the Rules on Impeachment can be revised in the best way consistent with the Supreme Court’s decision.
Chua said the House remains open to suggestions from complainants, including personalities who are now members of Congress.
The Makabayan Bloc said the final ruling complicated the “fast track mode” used by the House in Duterte’s impeachment case.
House Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio said the Supreme Court’s ruling appeared to have altered impeachment rules in favor of impeachable officials such as the president and vice president.
Despite the decision, Makabayan maintained that the issues raised in the complaint remain valid, including allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.
