La Union 1st District Representative Paolo Ortega expressed confidence on Wednesday that the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte will proceed without delay, following Senate President Vicente Sotto III’s assurance of “forthwith” action once the articles reach the upper chamber.
Ortega noted that the Senate President’s commitment effectively clears any lingering uncertainty regarding the timeline of the constitutional process.
“Napakalinaw ng sinabi ni… Sotto na kapag naisumite ang articles of impeachment, kikilos agad ang Senado. That sends a strong signal that the process will not be delayed and that accountability will move forward,” Ortega stated.
A Constitutional Mandate
The lawmaker emphasized that the transition from the House of Representatives to the Senate is a procedural requirement rather than a matter of political discretion.
He underscored that the gravity of the allegations demands a formal trial to ensure transparency and public accountability.
“Hindi ito pwedeng patagalin o iwasan. Once the House transmits the articles, the Senate must convene and try the case. That is a constitutional command, not a political option,” Ortega added.
The House Committee on Justice is currently deliberating on the impeachment complaints, including the one filed by Nathaniel Cabrera, which Ortega and Manila 3rd District Representative Benny Abante have endorsed. The committee is tasked with determining if there is sufficient probable cause to elevate the case to the Senate.
Focus on Accountability
According to Ortega, the issues raised in the complaints—ranging from the utilization of confidential funds to questions regarding unexplained wealth—are too significant to be overlooked.
“Ang bigat ng mga paratang—mula sa confidential funds hanggang sa usapin ng yaman at pananagutan sa taumbayan. These are not issues that can be ignored or brushed aside. They must be tested in a full impeachment trial,” he said.
Forward Momentum
Ortega concluded that the unified stance of both chambers reinforces the rule of law and assures the public that the legislative branch is prepared to fulfill its duty.
He maintained that once the House concludes its evaluation of the evidence, the path to a Senate trial is inevitable.
“Kapag natapos ito at naipasa sa Senado, wala nang dahilan para hindi ituloy ang paglilitis,” Ortega said.
“Ang malinaw na mensahe ngayon ay tuloy ang proseso, walang atrasan. The Constitution lays down the path, and both the House and the Senate are duty-bound to follow it to its conclusion.”