LANAO del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong on Saturday emphasized that the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte in the House of Representatives are anchored on due process and evidence, stressing that these are not meant to immediately punish but to determine the truth.
“Ang impeachment ay hindi agad parusa — ito ay patas na proseso para alamin ang katotohanan,” Adiong, chair of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, said in a statement.
Adiong reiterated that impeachment follows a constitutional structure with distinct roles for the House and the Senate.
“Sa House, sinusuri kung may basehan. Sa Senado, doon huhusgahan,” he said.
Adiong stressed the importance of due process, particularly in ensuring fairness for the respondent.
“Ibig sabihin: may pagkakataon ang bawat panig na marinig. Hindi puwedeng husgahan agad,” he said.
He added that the accused is afforded full opportunity to answer the allegations, present evidence and mount a defense.
“Patas ang laban — may boses ang magkabilang panig,” he said.
The House leader also pointed out the responsibility of the respondent to face the proceedings squarely.
“Sumagot sa mga paratang, magpakita ng ebidensya, at harapin ang proseso,” he said.
“Mas malinaw ang katotohanan kung sasagot at makikipagtulungan,” he added.
Adiong further explained that the role of the House Committee on Justice after the hearings is to determine whether there is sufficient basis to elevate the case to the Senate.
“Magpapasya kung may sapat na basehan — ipapasa sa Senado. Kung kulang ang basehan, hindi itutuloy,” he said.
He underscored that the House does not decide guilt, but merely determines whether a case should proceed to trial.
“House decides kung may kaso. Senado ang magde-decide kung guilty o hindi,” he said.
For Adiong, the guiding principle of the process must remain clear.
“Ang mahalaga: malinaw, patas, at naka-base sa ebidensya ang lahat,” Adiong said.
