MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros emphasized on Monday that impeachment is a fundamental tool for accountability and should not be dismissed as a mere political maneuver ahead of the 2028 elections.
Hontiveros’ remarks came after the House of Representatives declared the third and fourth impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte sufficient in form.
- The Allegations: Duterte faces accusations of betrayal of public trust, graft, corruption, and bribery, centered on the alleged misuse of ₱612 million in confidential funds.
- ** Sabotage Claims:** Responding to online discourse suggesting the move is a tactic to derail Duterte’s 2028 presidential bid, Hontiveros insisted that the process “should not be reduced to anything else, not even an election.”
- The People’s Demand: In Filipino, the senator stated that an impeachment complaint is a “demand by the people for accountability from all of our highest elected officials.”
Hontiveros, who has been floated as a potential standard-bearer for the united opposition in 2028, vowed to fulfill her constitutional duty as a “senator-judge” regardless of her future political path.
- Senate Readiness: She assured the public that the Senate is prepared to convene as an impeachment court should the House transmit the complaints.
- Bipartisan Duty: Senator JV Ejercito echoed this sentiment, stating that while he fears the “political squabbles” signal instability to the world, he will perform his duty if the trial reaches the Senate.
The political landscape is currently gripped by impeachment talk involving both the President and Vice President:
- Marcos Dismissal: Impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (concerning flood control anomalies and ICC issues) were recently declared insufficient by the House.
- Duterte Progression: With Duterte’s complaints moving forward, the focus shifts to whether the House will find “substance” in the allegations of fund misuse.
Hontiveros concluded by promising that the Senate would “value and protect” the integrity of the impeachment process as an independent constitutional body.