A House prosecution spokesperson said Monday that the latest accomplishment report released by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) does not respond to the core allegations set to be tackled in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the report, which highlighted OVP programs in medical assistance, disaster response, free transport services, and tree-planting initiatives, is separate from the issues to be resolved before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.
“Maganda pong malaman ng publiko ang mga programang ipinatupad ng OVP. Pero hindi po iyon ang isyu sa impeachment case,” he said.
He pointed out that the allegations involve more serious questions that must be addressed directly in court.
“Ang mga alegasyon ay tungkol sa umano’y maling paggamit ng confidential funds, unexplained wealth, panunuhol, at pagbabanta laban sa Pangulo. Hindi po masasagot ng accomplishment report ang mga isyu na iyan,” he said.
The OVP earlier released its performance report outlining its programs over the past three years, with Vice President Duterte describing the office as continuing its work despite what she called “baseless criticisms” and “systematic attacks.”
Adiong said the impeachment process scheduled to begin on July 6 is the proper venue for the Vice President to respond to the accusations raised against her.
“Kung totoong walang basehan ang mga paratang, ito na ang pagkakataon para malinaw niyang sagutin ang mga ito sa tamang forum,” he said.
He added that public service achievements do not negate the need to address allegations of misconduct.
“Walang masama sa pagtulong sa mamamayan. Pero hindi nabubura ng mga programang ito ang mga seryosong alegasyon ng katiwalian,” the solon said.
The lawmaker stressed that the central issue before the impeachment court is accountability and whether the Vice President should remain in office based on the evidence to be presented.
Duterte faces impeachment complaints involving alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.