CONGRESS is continuing work on the national budget and preparations for a potentially severe El Niño despite the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, amid concerns that prolonged political proceedings could divert attention from urgent economic and climate-related problems.
House Deputy Speaker Janette L. Garin of Iloilo has rejected suggestions that the impeachment proceedings had prevented lawmakers from addressing their legislative responsibilities, stressing that preparations for the anticipated effects of El Niño remain among the matters receiving attention.
“Unang-una, on time po, no ang mga nagawa ng Kongreso in terms of proposed measures, kasama na dito ang budget, kasama na ang preparasyon sa Super El Niño, liwanagin lang po namin,” Garin stressed.
Garin responded to criticism that the House’s participation in the Senate impeachment trial had consumed time and resources that could have been devoted to public services, economic measures and preparations for weather-related emergencies.
“Ang impeachment trial, o impeachment complaint, ay isang bagay na hindi namin ginusto, hindi ginusto ng Kongreso,” Garin explained.
Garin maintained that the House must fulfill its constitutional role in initiating and prosecuting impeachment cases while continuing to exercise its authority over legislation, appropriations and oversight of government agencies.
“Subalit ‘yan po ay constitutional duty ng Kongreso, parang kapareho sa isang korte sa MTC, Municipal Trial Court, o kaya Regional Trial Court, kapag may taong maghahain ng reklamo or kaso, ay hindi pwedeng i-refuse at hindi tanggapin ng piskal,” Garin argued.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported on Oct. 21 that a strong to very strong El Niño was present in the tropical Pacific, with the phenomenon expected to peak before the end of 2026 and persist into the first quarter of 2027.
The weather bureau warned that associated impacts could continue through the first half of 2027, increasing the risk of below-normal rainfall, dry spells and drought in vulnerable parts of the country.
“Subalit hindi pa rin natin papabayaan ang ating mga obligasyon sa taong bayan,” Garin assured.
The national government has begun preparing measures to protect food and water supplies, support farmers and maintain essential services, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directing agencies to develop plans addressing the anticipated effects of the climate phenomenon.
“Patuloy kami ngayon na nagiging agresibo na tingnan ang ating mga ahensya na maging preparado sa epekto ng Super El Niño,” Garin disclosed.
Garin also identified international conflicts and rising commodity prices as additional pressures on Filipino households, maintaining that the government must respond to these concerns even as the impeachment court continues hearing allegations against Duterte.
“Kaya tulong-tulong tayo, because accountability will not only stop at the level of the vice president,” Garin emphasized, arguing that congressional oversight should extend to the performance of government agencies responsible for protecting public welfare and responding to national emergencies.
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