Chiz to senators: Refrain from commenting on impeachment moves vs VP Sara

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Tuesday called on senators to refrain from making public comments following the filing of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte at the House of Representatives.

In a statement, Escudero said the filing and endorsement of an impeachment complaint in the House against Duterte “marks the beginning of a process enshrined in our Constitution to ensure accountability among our highest public officials.”

“In light of this development, I reiterate my call to my colleagues in the Senate to refrain from making any public comments or statements regarding the allegations in the complaint’s articles of impeachment,” the Senate President said.

“Should the Senate be called upon to act as an impeachment court, any perception of bias or pre-judgment would undermine not only the integrity of the impeachment trial but also the public’s trust in the Senate as an institution,” he added.

Advocacy groups on Monday afternoon officially filed the impeachment complaint against Duterte. It was endorsed by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña.

The complaint stemmed from the Vice President’s alleged culpable violations of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.

Duterte has yet to respond to the impeachment moves against her.

At the Senate, Escudero stressed that the impeachment complaint should not detract senators—some of whom are known allies of the Duterte family—from doing their legislative work.

“While impeachment is often described as a political exercise, it is crucial that members of the Senate approach it with the impartiality and objectivity demanded of us. We must remain steadfast in upholding the principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that every step of the process adheres to the Rule of Law,” he said.

“The Senate stands ready to fulfill its constitutional mandate with integrity and impartiality while upholding the national interest. As we navigate this critical juncture in our history, let us remain resolute in our commitment to justice, unity, and the welfare of the Filipino people.”

The impeachment complaint was filed a week after Duterte made the controversial remark of contracting someone to kill President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, if an alleged plot against her succeeds.

She later on clarified that her statement was not a threat, saying she only highlighted the alleged threat to her security. She also said that her remark was "taken out of logical context."

Authorities, however, have considered Duterte’s remarks as a threat to the President and a matter of national security.

Marcos earlier said he is not supportive of any impeachment plan against Duterte, believing that it would not benefit the lives of Filipinos.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin also said the Office of the President has nothing to do with the recent impeachment moves.—AOL, GMA Integrated News