HOUSE Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson and TINGOG Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said Saturday the stabilization of the Senate leadership should now allow the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte to move forward without unnecessary delay and be completed through a fair, orderly, and credible process.
Acidre said the country would not benefit from a prolonged process, especially on a matter that directly affects 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.
He said Filipinos may have different views on the impeachment case, but noted that this is a fact in any democracy and should not be used to delay, confuse, or politicize the proceedings.
“Maaaring iba-iba ang pananaw ng ating mga kababayan pagdating sa impeachment. That is a fact in any democracy. Pero hindi ito dapat gawing dahilan para patagalin, guluhin, o gawing pulitika ang proseso,” Acidre said.
“What matters now is that the process is allowed to move forward in a manner that is fair, orderly, and credible,” he added.
Acidre said completing the process would give both sides the proper forum to present their arguments, submit evidence, and answer the questions that have long been before the public.
“Mabibigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang magkabilang panig na mailahad ang kanilang argumento, maipakita ang kanilang ebidensya, at masagot ang mga matagal nang tanong ng taumbayan sa tamang proseso,” Acidre said.
He stressed that the impeachment proceedings must be guided by evidence, truth, and the rule of law, not by noise, pressure, or political maneuvering.
“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,” Acidre said.
Acidre said the issue is not only about determining the political fate of one public official, but also about protecting public confidence in the country’s laws and 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 ganitong mabibigat na usapin nang mahinahon, patas, at makatarungan,” Acidre said.
