MANILA, Philippines – Ang pananagutan ay ipinagpaliban lamang, hindi tinanggihan. Ito ang sinabi ni 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan noong Biyernes, Hulyo 25 kasunod ng pagbasura ng Korte Suprema (SC) sa mga teknikal na batayan ang impeachment complaint kay Vice President Sara Duterte.
“The [SC]’s unanimous decision to halt the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte—on the basis of the constitutional one-year bar on multiple complaints—underscores the need to strengthen and clarify our impeachment procedures,” ayon kay Libanan, lead House prosecutor sa impeachment case.
“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 the decision rests on procedural grounds and does not touch on the merits of the allegations,” aniya.
“Accountability in public service has not been denied—only deferred,”
Sinabi ni Libanan na ang pag-unlad ay dapat mag-udyok sa Kamara na muling bisitahin at palakasin ang mga panloob na patakaran at timeline nito na namamahala sa 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,” saad niya.
“The high court has reminded us that even in politically sensitive matters, due process must prevail. As the Court aptly stated: ‘There is a right way to do the right thing at the right time,'” ayon kay Libanan
“I take that reminder to heart, and reaffirm my commitment to upholding the Constitution, the rule of law, and the integrity of public institutions,” dagdag pa niya.
“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.”
Nagsilbi si Libanan bilang House minority leader noong nakaraang 19th Congress. RNT/MND
