MANILA – Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega of La Union said the House of Representatives must comply with the Senate impeachment court’s order to resubmit the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte—but only once the 20th Congress is in session.
The Senate impeachment court recently voted to return the articles to the House, requesting certification that the process remains valid and that the 20th Congress intends to pursue the case. Ortega acknowledged the order’s legitimacy, saying compliance is necessary, though the current 19th Congress has nearly concluded.
However, opinions within the House are divided. Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre argued that the existing Articles of Impeachment, signed and endorsed by over 200 lawmakers, already serve as sufficient certification. He stressed that legal precedent and practice should guide the process, not redundant paperwork.
Rep. France Castro of ACT Teachers Party-list interpreted the Senate’s request as a recognition that the case could carry over into the next Congress. Meanwhile, incoming ML Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima called the Senate’s order “unnecessary,” suggesting the 20th Congress merely needs to reauthorize its prosecutors.
Several lawmakers reaffirmed their support for pursuing accountability in the next Congress, including Rep.-elect Antonio Tinio, a key complainant, who vowed to push forward with the impeachment trial against Duterte over issues such as misuse of confidential funds.
The lawmakers also urged the public to stay vigilant and involved. “Public pressure and scrutiny are essential in ensuring that accountability isn’t brushed aside,” said Acidre.