MANILA — Members of the House minority on Wednesday criticized Vice President Sara Duterte’s petition to the Supreme Court to suspend her impeachment hearings, calling it an attempt to evade accountability.
House Senior Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima of the ML party-list questioned the Vice President’s approach.
“Do they really think the SC is ‘Sara’s Court,’ a safe space to hide from responsibility?” de Lima said.
Perci Cendaña, House Assistant Minority Leader from Akbayan, called the petition a sign of panic.
“She is scared of the evidence coming to light. VP Sara knows that if the evidence is revealed, her political ambitions will be over,” Cendaña said, referring to her announced plans for the 2028 presidential election.
Cendaña added that the impeachment process follows constitutional rules, House procedures, and Supreme Court rulings. “There’s no justification for stopping or delaying the hearings,” he said.
Duterte’s petition also seeks to nullify Sections 7 and 8 of the House Rules on impeachment. Section 7 covers submission of evidence, memoranda, and hearings, while Section 8 allows protective measures for complainants and witnesses whose safety may be at risk.
“We hope the Supreme Court will acknowledge that the House is fully compliant with the Constitution and relevant rules,” Cendaña concluded.
ia/xf
