Ortega: Impeachment process meant to uncover truth, ensure accountability

DEPUTY Speaker Paolo P. Ortega V on Friday said the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte stems from “serious and documented allegations,” stressing that the process is meant to allow the truth to come out through proper constitutional procedures.

In a statement responding to the vice president’s recent remarks on the impeachment proceedings, Ortega said the complaint was not driven by personal or political motives but by matters raised during committee hearings.

“From the outset, it has been evident that the impeachment complaint against the vice president rests on serious and documented allegations. These are not borne out of personal animosity or political maneuvering but from matters brought forward during committee hearings, including sworn statements and testimony, some of which came from individuals connected with the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education,” Ortega said.

He noted that the vice president had been given the opportunity to respond to the allegations during the committee proceedings.

“The Vice President was provided the opportunity to address these allegations before the committee. Yet to this day, the public has yet to hear a clear and comprehensive explanation that would directly address the issues raised,” Ortega said.

“Ito po ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit ako nag-endorso ng ika-apat na impeachment complaint—upang mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang katotohanan na lumabas sa pamamagitan ng tamang proseso,” he added.

Ortega also expressed support for the request from Rep. Atty. Rep. Atty. Chel Diokno’s request for the House of Representatives to take custody of Ramil Madriaga aims to protect potential evidence and witnesses.

“As one of the endorsers of the fourth impeachment complaint, I also support the request of Rep. Atty. Chel Diokno for the House of Representatives to take custody of Ramil Madriaga. The objective is straightforward: to preserve documentary evidence and ensure the safety and availability of a potential witness amid the serious allegations being examined,” he said.

“Such action is consistent with the House’s constitutional duty to conduct a fair, orderly, and evidence-based inquiry.”

The Ilocos Norte lawmaker said the impeachment proceedings will not distract Congress from addressing pressing national concerns.

“At the same time, the work of government continues. The House of Representatives remains fully engaged in addressing the pressing challenges confronting our country—from concerns affecting overseas Filipino workers amid international tensions, to the rising prices of basic goods and other urgent issues affecting Filipino families,” Ortega said.

Legislative deliberations and government action continue to address these matters.

Still, Ortega said the House cannot simply set aside the impeachment process.

“The House of Representatives cannot simply turn away from the impeachment process. It is part of our constitutional mandate as representatives of the people—to ensure accountability in government, uphold the rule of law, and protect the public interest,” he said.

He also asked the public to let the process continue and to focus on the evidence.

“Kung nagsasabi ng totoo ang Bise Presidente, wala po siyang dapat ikatakot. Sa ganitong proseso, ang katotohanan—hindi ang takot—ang kakampi ng ebidensya,” Ortega said.

“Impeachment is not a personal attack. It is a constitutional mechanism meant to safeguard the integrity of public office. Allowing the proper process to unfold and maintaining an open mind to the presented evidence and facts is crucial.