Government preparations for a looming “Super El Niño” and the review of the national budget remain on track despite the demands of the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
House Deputy Speaker and Iloilo Rep. Janette L. Garin refuted assertions that trial proceedings have paralyzed core legislative operations, emphasizing that critical economic measures and climate resilience planning continue without interruption.
“Unang-una, on time po, no ang mga nagawa ng Kongreso in terms of proposed measures, kasama na dito ang budget, kasama na ang preparasyon sa Super El Niño, liwanagin lang po namin,” Garin stressed.
Pushing back against criticisms that participation in the Senate impeachment trial diverts state focus and public resources from urgent national concerns, Garin pointed out that fulfilling constitutional mandates does not negate statutory obligations.
“Ang impeachment trial, o impeachment complaint, ay isang bagay na hindi namin ginusto, hindi ginusto ng Kongreso,” Garin explained.
She likened the House’s constitutional role to that of a prosecutor handling a case filed in court.
“Subalit ‘yan po ay constitutional duty ng Kongreso, parang kapareho sa isang korte sa MTC, Municipal Trial Court, o kaya Regional Trial Court, kapag may taong maghahain ng reklamo or kaso, ay hindi pwedeng i-refuse at hindi tanggapin ng piskal,” Garin argued.
The legislative defense comes as climate warnings intensify. On Oct. 21, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration confirmed the presence of a strong to very strong El Niño in the tropical Pacific, with peak intensity anticipated before the end of 2026 and extended impacts lasting through the first quarter of 2027.
Weather forecasters warned that dry spells and reduced rainfall will likely persist through the first half of 2027, threatening agricultural sectors and regional water security.
“Subalit hindi pa rin natin papabayaan ang ating mga obligasyon sa taong bayan,” Garin assured.
The national government has mobilized inter-agency strategies to protect domestic food and water distribution networks under directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while the House conducts parallel oversight.
“Patuloy kami ngayon na nagiging agresibo na tingnan ang ating mga ahensya na maging preparado sa epekto ng Super El Niño,” Garin disclosed.
Garin noted that legislative oversight must simultaneously address external pressures, including international conflicts and inflation, to protect household purchasing power alongside court proceedings.
“Kaya tulong-tulong tayo, because accountability will not only stop at the level of the vice president,” Garin emphasized, maintaining that agency performance in disaster and economic response warrants equal scrutiny.