A House lawmaker said the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte could still be transmitted directly to the Senate if enough members of the House of Representatives endorse the move.
House Committee on Public Accounts Chairman Terry Ridon said the possibility remains open even after the Office of the House Secretary General confirmed that two impeachment complaints had been forwarded to Speaker Bojie Dy.
Ridon said the complaints were expected to be included in the House plenary’s Order of Business on Monday, Feb. 9. However, he clarified that a direct transmittal to the Senate could occur if at least one-third of House members endorse the Articles of Impeachment.
He said such a move could not be prevented if the required number of lawmakers sign on, particularly while the complaints have not yet been referred to the House Committee on Justice.
Ridon cited a recent Supreme Court ruling, saying due process for the respondent requires that a copy of the complaint and supporting evidence from endorsers be provided. He added that copies of the impeachment complaint and related evidence should also be distributed to all House members during deliberations.
Complainants against Duterte have earlier argued that the one-year bar rule had already lapsed by Jan. 14 or 15, based on the Supreme Court’s interpretation of “session days.”
The House has yet to refer the complaints to the Committee on Justice, which typically handles impeachment proceedings. For now, the next step depends on whether lawmakers will move to endorse the Articles of Impeachment for possible transmittal to the Senate.
