A Central Luzon solon on Friday said the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte should be allowed to proceed under the constitutional process, stressing that accountability must be pursued without sacrificing due process and fairness.
Impeachment is a mechanism provided by the Constitution to address serious allegations against high-ranking public officials. However, the process must not be mistaken for a judgment of guilt.
“A finding of probable cause against the Vice President is not equivalent to a finding of guilt,” Bataan Rep. Antonino “Tony” Roman III said, adding that Duterte remains entitled to due process, fairness, and the full opportunity to answer the allegations against her.
He noted that the House of Representatives had approved House Resolution No. 989 by a substantial vote after committee proceedings and deliberations. With the House action completed, he said the case now properly moves to the Senate, which will sit as an impeachment court.
“The Senate will ultimately determine whether the allegations are supported by evidence and whether the constitutional standards for impeachment have been met,” the solon said. “That determination should be made carefully and impartially in a trial — in accordance with the Constitution.”
He likewise cautioned against viewing the impeachment case purely through a political lens, saying the integrity of the process is essential to maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.
“Impeachment is a constitutional mechanism intended to preserve public accountability while respecting the rights of all parties involved,” he said. “Whatever one’s political views may be, the integrity of the process is important to public confidence in our institutions.”
He urged the public to avoid drawing premature conclusions and allow both the Vice President and the Senate to perform their roles under the Constitution.
“At the end of the day, the Vice President must be given every opportunity to present her side, and the Senate must be allowed to exercise its constitutional mandate independently,” Roman said.
He noted that the Filipino people expect public institutions to uphold accountability while observing fairness and due process.
“Ultimately, the strength of our democracy lies in allowing constitutional processes to proceed properly and peacefully,” he said.