Antipolo City 1st District Representative Ronaldo Puno has urged the House Committee on Justice to present “new evidence” that could strengthen the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The committee, chaired by Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, earlier ruled on March 4 that two complaints were sufficient in substance, with a vote of 54-1-0.
“Impeachment is a serious constitutional process that must be anchored on clear, compelling, and credible evidence. In the absence of such evidence, it will be very difficult for members of the National Unity Party to vote in favor of transmitting the impeachment complaints to the Senate for trial,” Puno said, cautioning that weak cases could undermine the credibility of the process if dismissed by the Senate.
He stressed that his party’s position remains firm:
“We reiterate that we cannot vote in favor of a rehashed case resting on previously presented information that, in our opinion, remain weak and inconclusive.”
The committee noted that the affidavit of Ramil Madriaga was the only new addition, raising issues on confidential funds and alleged threats by Duterte against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez.
These allegations had previously been part of an impeachment case declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Duterte has until March 15 to submit her reply after receiving notice on March 5.
Puno said his bloc will closely monitor the hearings:
“We hope the Committee will reveal stronger proof and, if warranted, the proverbial ‘smoking gun’ that would justify elevating the matter to the Senate.”