MANILA, Philippines – Matapos maideklara ng Korte Suprema na unconstitutional ang impeachment complaint laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte ay binigyang diin ni 4P’s Partylist Rep. Marcelino Libanan, isa sa tatayong House prosecutors na mahalagang patatagin pa at klaruhin ang kasalukuyang impeachment procedures.
“This development should prompt the House to revisit and reinforce its internal rules and timelines governing impeachment. Clearer procedural safeguards will help ensure that the constitutional mechanisms for accountability are not only respected, but also effective and resilient in the face of political challenges.
Kasabay ito ng pagdidiin ni Libanan na iginagalang niya ang naging kapasiyahan ng Kataastaasang Hukuman.
“As a member of the House of Representatives and the impeachment prosecution panel, I fully respect the Court’s ruling. It is important to underscore, however, that decision rests on procedural grounds and does not touch on the merits of the allegations. Accountability in public service has not been denied – only deferred,” ayon sa mambabatas.
Nais lamang aniya na ipaalala ng Korte Suprema na kahit sa mga “politically sensitive matters” ay dapat mangingibabaw ang due process sa pagsasabing “ there is a right way to do the right thing at the right time.”
“I take that reminder to heart, and reaffirm my commitment to upholding the Constitution , the rule of law, and the integrity of public institutions.”
Sinabi pa ni Libanan na masusing pag-aaralan ng Kamara ang desisyon ng SC upang masiguro ang susunod na hakbang ng Malaking Kapulungan ng Kongreso.
“We will carefully study the full decision and determine the appropriate next steps in line with our legislative mandate and duty to the Filipino people.”
Samantala, humingi naman ng paumanhin sa Korte Suprema si Mamamayang Liberal Partlist Rep. Leila De Lima sa pagsasabing, “ I regret and most humbly apologize to the Supreme Court for characterizing the impeachment decision as ex-parte.
“That portion of my statement saying the House was not given an opportunity to comment on the impeachment petitions was grossly ill-advised as it was based on patently wrong information. Definitely, it is not my intention to falsely accuse the Supreme Court of not considering the side of the respondent House of Representatives. It is plainly evident in the decision, which I was able to read only after the release of my Statement yesterday, that the House’s comments in the two impeachment petitions were indeed considered by the Court,” giit pa ni De Lima.
Binigyang diin pa nito na handa niyang panagutan ang mga naunang pahayag.
“There is no excuse for this mistake and I bear full responsibility for the same.” (Meliza Maluntag)
