DEPUTY Speaker Paolo P. Ortega V of La Union on Tuesday said Vice President Sara Z. Duterte continues to stonewall the allegations against her, noting that the answer she submitted fails to directly address the impeachment complaints and instead relies on technicalities.
“The Vice President continues to stonewall the allegations against her. This is not an answer at all. Instead of addressing the charges head-on, she chose to hide behind technicalities,” Ortega, endorser of the 4th impeachment complaint, said, referring to the Consolidated Answer Ad Cautelam submitted by Duterte’s camp Monday.
According to Ortega, the Vice President’s submission raises more questions than it answers, as it does not squarely address the material allegations cited in the complaints.
“Hindi po nasagot ang mga paratang. Iniiwasan ang pinaka-ugat ng isyu, at dinadaan sa procedural arguments na hindi naman tumutugon sa substance ng kaso,” he added.
Ortega also rejected claims by the Vice President’s lawyers that the Supreme Court (SC) ruling had cleared her, emphasizing that the high tribunal only ruled on procedural issues.
“They have to read both the Supreme Court decision and resolution again. The ruling did not junk the 2025 impeachment on substantive grounds, but only on procedural matters,” Ortega said.
“In fact, the Supreme Court itself said that its ruling did not absolve the Vice President. That should be clear to everyone,” Ortega added.
The Deputy Speaker stressed that impeachment is a constitutional mechanism meant to determine accountability, not a process that can be avoided through legal technicalities.
“Accountability cannot be stonewalled. The Filipino people deserve clear, direct answers—not legal maneuvering that avoids the truth,” Ortega said.
