The Commission on Elections (Comelec) explained what could happen to the position of Vice President Sara Duterte should she eventually be impeached.
During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the Constitution provides that in the event of a vacancy in the vice presidency, the President may appoint a replacement from among the members of the Senate or the House of Representatives.
“In case of vacancy sa posisyon na halimbawa Vice President – ang papalit po diyan ay pipili ang Pangulo ng isa sa mga miyembro ng Senado o Mababang Kapulungan (In case of a vacancy in the position, for example the Vice President, the President will choose a replacement from among the members of the Senate or the House of Representatives),” Garcia said.
Garcia added that the appointment must obtain separate consent from the majority of members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
He also explained that there is no specific timeline under the Constitution on when a vacant political post must be filled.
However, based on previous experience, Garcia said such positions are usually filled immediately.
(PHOTO COURTESY: Inday Sara Duterte)
