TACLOBAN CITY — With the Senate leadership now settled, Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre called for the immediate continuation of the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing that the proceedings must move forward without unnecessary delays and be conducted fairly and credibly.
Acidre made the statement during a media conference in Palawan following recent developments in the Senate, including the election of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President and the continuation of pre-trial preparations ahead of the scheduled July 6 proceedings.
According to Acidre, prolonged uncertainty surrounding the impeachment case would not serve the interests of the Filipino people, particularly on an issue that has significant implications for public trust in government and democratic institutions.
“Ngayon na mas naging stable na ang pamunuan ng ating Senado, umaasa tayo na makakausad na ang proseso ng impeachment. Hindi makakabuti sa taumbayan kung hahaba pa ito nang hindi kinakailangan. Kailangan tapusin na ang proseso,” Acidre said.
The lawmaker noted that recent pre-trial developments indicate that the process is already underway and should be allowed to continue in the proper constitutional forum.
“Mas lalong kailangang tiyakin na magtutuloy-tuloy ang proseso. The Filipino people deserve clarity, not confusion; resolution, not delay,” he said.
Acidre emphasized that differing opinions among Filipinos regarding the impeachment case are expected in a democracy but should not be used as a reason to delay or politicize the proceedings.
“What matters now is that the process is allowed to move forward in a manner that is fair, orderly, and credible,” he added.
Acidre further underscored that the impeachment proceedings should be guided by evidence, truth, and the rule of law rather than political pressure or public noise.
“Hindi ito dapat daanin sa ingay, pressure, o pulitika. Whatever the outcome may be, ang mahalaga ay makita ng taumbayan na ang magiging pasya ay nakabatay sa ebidensya, sa katotohanan, at sa isang patas at maayos na pagdinig,” he said.
The Tingog representative added that the issue goes beyond the political future of a single official and is ultimately about preserving public confidence in the country’s institutions.
“Hindi lang naman ito tungkol sa kung sino ang mananalo o matatalo. Ang mahalaga rito ay ang tiwala ng ating taumbayan: tiwala na gumagana ang ating mga batas, na kumikilos ang ating mga institusyon, at kaya nating harapin ang mga mabibigat na usapin ng pananagutan nang patas at makatarungan,” Acidre said.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
