Manila: House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong emphasized that the current challenges faced by the country do not absolve the House of Representatives from its constitutional responsibility to address properly filed and endorsed complaints. This statement was made in light of arguments suggesting that the ongoing energy crisis should delay impeachment proceedings.
According to Philippines News Agency, Adiong, a member of the House Justice Committee, asserted that the chamber can simultaneously address the nation's urgent issues while fulfilling its constitutional duty to evaluate the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. He highlighted that by compartmentalizing how concerns are managed, the House can effectively tackle pressing national matters.
Adiong noted that the national government is already implementing strategies to mitigate the impact of the global crisis, which is linked to the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. He mentioned that these efforts can proceed concurrently with the impeachment process. 'At present, the President has declared a state of energy emergency. In fact, there is already an UPLIFT committee created to discuss responses to the global crisis effects,' Adiong remarked.
He emphasized that the House should not abandon or pause its constitutional mandate due to a separate emergency. 'There are proper ways to address the crisis without bypassing the constitutional mandate. The complaints are filed by private citizens and endorsed by some House members, and the government is actively responding to the crisis,' Adiong added.
Furthermore, Adiong pointed out that the House has taken steps to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices and the broader economic strain associated with imported petroleum. This includes the approval of the suspension of the excise tax to alleviate effects on various sectors reliant on imported petroleum.
Adiong concluded by stating that public officials should not use a crisis as an excuse to disregard complaints that the House is obligated to hear under the Constitution. He reiterated the capability of Congress to address multiple major issues simultaneously, emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional accountability.
