Vice President Sara Duterte could still face a lifetime ban from public office even if she resigns, a House leader said, citing a pending case before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, chair of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, said Duterte’s possible resignation would not automatically halt legal or administrative proceedings, particularly those already under evaluation by the Ombudsman.
Chua said the case may have moved slowly due to Duterte’s status as an impeachable official, but noted that this limitation would no longer apply if she steps down.
“In fact, dito po sa Office of the Ombudsman, kaya po siguro hindi pa makausad pagdating po sa kanya, dahil siya po ay isang impeachable officer… But once na siya po ay nag-resign, gugulong na ang batas,” Chua said.
He emphasized that an Ombudsman ruling may carry both criminal and administrative consequences, including perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
Chua explained that impeachment carries two constitutional penalties—removal from office and perpetual disqualification—but does not involve imprisonment, a distinction he said is often misunderstood.
“Ang impeachment po kasi ang penalty po niyan dalawa, removal at perpetual disqualification. Wala pong kulong ‘yan,” he said.
The lawmaker said the issue of disqualification should still be resolved even if Duterte resigns, particularly if impeachment proceedings reach the Senate.
He added that one possible outcome of impeachment is a ruling on whether an official should be permanently barred from public service, which should not be avoided through resignation.
Chua also defended the ongoing House Committee on Justice hearings against claims that they are a fishing expedition, saying the panel is operating within its rules and authority.
He likened the process to a preliminary investigation, where both sides are allowed to submit evidence and counterarguments.
“So until now maski nga po sila magsumite po sila ng ebidensya tatanggapin din po namin… lahat po yan binibigyan ng due process,” he said.
Chua said the committee continues to accept submissions from Duterte’s camp, underscoring that the proceedings are not one-sided and follow constitutional safeguards.
He stressed that the central issue is public accountability, particularly in the handling of government funds.
“At saka unang-una po, ito pong pinag-uusapan po natin ay accountability… public office is a public trust,” he said.