Manila: Akbayan Party-list Rep. Mader Perci Cenda±a and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima have criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for allegedly avoiding the House impeachment proceedings. They highlighted a stark contrast between her earlier statements and current actions.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cenda±a expressed his views on X, stating, "Not surprising, That's expected. Only the corrupt are afraid to face charges." Meanwhile, De Lima also took to X, criticizing Duterte for her absence from the hearings, "She was earlier talking about a bloodbath. Now, she is afraid to attend a simple committee hearing," she remarked.
De Lima further urged the Supreme Court to avoid facilitating actions that might help evade accountability. She emphasized that the impeachment proceedings are within the exclusive authority of the House of Representatives, stressing the importance of respecting the separation of powers as outlined in the constitution.
Despite not having reviewed the full petition submitted to the High Court, De Lima voiced concerns over the Vice President's actions. "We have yet to see and read the full text of the petition, but whatever their arguments are, it is obvious that VP Sara is showing signs of desperation in trying to evade accountability by not facing the impeachment proceedings," she noted.
The criticism comes as Duterte faces mounting scrutiny for her absence from the House Committee on Justice hearings. These proceedings are crucial for evaluating evidence to determine if there is probable cause for the impeachment to proceed to the Senate for trial.
Meanwhile, several lawyers have approached the High Court, seeking a temporary restraining order to halt the impeachment process against Duterte. They argue that the House committee on justice abused its powers by upholding the third and fourth impeachment complaints against her, which they claim are insufficient in form and substance.
Duterte's camp defended their absence from the hearings, criticizing the committee chairman's use of the term "mini trial."
