Manila, Philippines — In a unanimous vote, the House Committee on Justice determined the existence of probable cause on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a series of hearings, the Committee found “sufficient justification” to pursue the complaints in a proper trial at the Senate, as an impeachment complaint.
The Committee emphasized that Duterte’s absence from the hearings somehow strengthened the determination of probable cause since the respondent failed to defend and counter the allegations.
Following the decision, the panel shall prepare a committee report and resolution, that will be provided for the complainants, respondent Duterte, and all the members of the Congress.
The Congress shall then hold a plenary session to vote whether the impeachment complaints will be endorsed to the Senate or not.
Following this development, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte accused that there have been political blackmailing happening inside the Lower Chamber.
Cong. Pulong said that there staffs reaching out to congressmen’s offices threatening to cut off funds for their district if they don’t vote in favor of the impeachment.
He emphasized that it is unjustifiable to punish the people by cutting off local funds just to satisfy the desperate attempt to oust a political enemy: “Kung totoo na tinatakot ang mga congressman na tanggalin ang pondo sa ilang distrito kung hindi sila susunod sa impeachment line, malinaw na hindi na ito demokrasya. Ito ay isang political blackmail.”
“Ang pondo ng distrito ay para sa mga tao, hindi personal na pera ng nasa liderato,” Duterte said.
Duterte appealed to not use the national budget to threaten congressmen to vote for the impeachment.
He added that if the case is strong, it shall be provided with evidence and that there is no need for threats and similar acts.
“If leadership is confident in its case, then let the evidence speak—not threats, not pressure, and certainly not the hostage-taking of public funds. (Kung kinakailangang mang-blackmail) para lang mapasa ang impeachment, then that already tells us everything—we are not dealing with strength, but with fear.”
”At sa mga tao, bantayan niyo ito.Kung ang pondo ng inyong distrito ay magiging bargaining chip, kayo mismo ang gagawing hostage ng ilang politika gamit ang inyong sariling pera,” Duterte said.