House Deputy Speaker and Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin has reassured the public that Congress can effectively balance its legislative responsibilities with its constitutional duty to hear the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Addressing concerns that the impeachment process would derail urgent national matters, Garin emphasized that lawmakers are staying on track with key legislative measures, including the national budget and preparations for an approaching super El Niño.
“Unang-una, on time po, no ang mga nagawa ng Kongreso in terms of proposed measures, kasama na dito ang budget, kasama na ang preparasyon sa Super El Niño, liwanagin lang po namin,” Garin stressed.
The House of Representatives recently approved the ₱7.2-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2027. According to Garin, while Congress did not initiate or seek the impeachment proceedings, lawmakers are legally obligated to fulfill their mandate.
“Ang impeachment trial, o impeachment complaint, ay isang bagay na hindi namin ginusto, hindi ginusto ng Kongreso,” Garin explained.
“Subalit ‘yan po ay constitutional duty ng Kongreso, parang kapareho sa isang korte sa MTC, Municipal Trial Court, o kaya Regional Trial Court, kapag may taong maghahain ng reklamo or kaso, ay hindi pwedeng i-refuse at hindi tanggapin ng piskal,” she argued.
Garin stressed that the chamber remains fully committed to its duties in legislation, appropriations, and agency oversight.
“Subalit hindi pa rin natin papabayaan ang ating mga obligasyon sa taong bayan,” Garin said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on October 21 that a strong to very strong El Niño is active in the tropical Pacific.
The phenomenon is projected to peak before the end of 2026, extending into the first quarter of 2027 and raising concerns over below-normal rainfall and agricultural drought.
“Patuloy kami ngayon na nagiging agresibo na tingnan ang ating mga ahensya na maging preparado sa epekto ng super El Niño,” Garin disclosed.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to formulate proactive measures to safeguard food and water security and support vulnerable farmers.
Garin also pointed to global conflicts and rising commodity costs as pressing issues requiring strict oversight.
“Kaya tulong-tulong tayo, because accountability will not only stop at the level of the vice president,” the House official underscored.