THE ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte are a critical “test of fitness” for national leadership with far-reaching implications for governance, accountability, and the country’s standing in the global community.
This was according to Manila Rep. Joel Chua, chair of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, also known as the House Blue Ribbon Committee.
Chua said the impeachment process is essential in determining whether a public official remains fit to hold office, especially as the country faces complex domestic and global challenges.
“Alam po ninyo, ito pong impeachment, ito po ay test of fitness ng ating mga leader,” Chua said during an ANC interview.
He warned that the actions of national leaders can shape not only domestic outcomes but also global conditions.
“Because lahat po ng act ng leader ng bansa ay puwedeng makaapekto sa bansa at sa buong mundo kagaya ng ating nararanasan ngayon which is itong oil crisis,” he said.
Chua also raised concerns over Duterte’s temperament and its implications for diplomacy, particularly if she seeks higher office.
“So could you imagine sa 2028, sa 2028 siya po ay lalahok sa pagka-pangulo. Hindi po ba napakahalaga na malinis niya ang kanyang pangalan?” Chua said.
He added: “Papaano ka haharap sa ibang mga bansa na kung hindi mo makuha ‘yung gusto, bigla ka na lang magwawala at magte-threaten ka? So that is not how you do it as a leader of the country.”
Chua was apparently referring to Duterte’s alleged threat to kill President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez during a November 2025 press conference, which is now the subject of the impeachment complaints.
The lawmaker also questioned the handling of public funds, saying it reflects on a leader’s capacity to manage greater responsibilities.
“Kung ikaw ay pinagkatiwalaan ng worth 600 million na pondo sa iyong departamento at sa iyong opisina, ay papaano pa kaya pag ikaw ay naging pangulo ng Pilipinas kung saan trillion na ang hahawakan mong pondo?” Chua said.
“So kung sa maliit, sa akin pong palagay, hindi naman po maliit ‘yung P600 million, pero kung sa ganitong pondo ay hindi ka mapagkakatiwalaan ay papaano pa sa trilyon trilyon na pondo,” he added.
The 2024 hearings of the House Blue Ribbon panel, chaired by Chua, formed a key basis for the impeachment complaints after flagging the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education (DepEd) when Duterte was serving as its secretary.
The panel also uncovered other significant findings, including alleged irregularities in the disbursement of confidential funds, questionable liquidation documents, and claims of bribery involving DepEd officials.
Duterte is now facing impeachment proceedings before the House Committee on Justice, which has already found the two remaining complaints against her sufficient in form, substance and grounds.
The committee is currently in the process of determining probable cause and has begun receiving evidence as part of the next phase of the proceedings.
