MANILA, Philippines — Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list Rep. Leila de Lima on Tuesday called on the House of Representatives to close ranks in defending its exclusive authority to initiate impeachment cases, warning against moves that could weaken this constitutional power.
In a privilege speech, the former senator and justice secretary said the chamber must transcend political divisions when the Constitution is at stake.
“Regardless of our political affiliations or our stance on the Vice President, we must reject any attempt to diminish the House’s exclusive power under our Fundamental Law. If we let this pass, we would be abdicating a sacred duty and weakening the very foundations of checks and balances,” De Lima said.
She criticized the Supreme Court (SC)’s recent ruling that nullified the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying it has made impeachment nearly impossible to pursue.
“That is why Duterte vs House, if not reconsidered, is unacceptable. The checkpoints and roadblocks it has erected are simply insurmountable for House members to even dare endorsing one in the near future. Accountability has never been made more difficult to achieve in this country than now,” she said.
De Lima also criticized the Senate for archiving the verified complaint while the SC was still deliberating on the House’s motion for reconsideration (MR).
“This move was exceptionally swift, contrary to their extremely tardy action, their stalling, when it came to their convening as an impeachment court,” she noted.
Aside from the House’s MR, other motions were filed by movants-intervenors.
Calling for continued vigilance, De Lima urged lawmakers to uphold the Constitution, the rule of law and the truth.
“History is watching. The people are watching. Hindi pa tapos ang laban ng katotohanan. Let this echo through the halls of Congress and into the hearts of our people: no one is above the Constitution. Not the Vice President, not the President, not the legislature, not even the judiciary. The Constitution is the people’s sovereign will. And today, in its defense, the House of Representatives ought to stand, as it stands, unbowed, unafraid and united,” she said.– Jose Rodel Clapano, Janvic Mateo