Jonell Rhae Manalo

Gabriela Women’s party’s Arlene Brosas insisted that the House of Representatives, under Speaker Martin Romualdez, act immediately on the three separate impeachment cases filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, stating that every day of inaction perpetuates impunity.

Photo Courtesy of ABS-CBN/Radyo Pilipinas/Rappler.

Duterte, who first faced an impeachment complaint on December 2, faced the filing of the third complaint on December 19 with all cases accusing her of betrayal of public trust, with complainants citing alleged irregularities in the confidential funds allocated to her office, which have sparked widespread controversy.

The complaints all stem from her alleged use of confidential funds, particularly after reports surfaced regarding the sudden transfer and utilization of these funds before the fiscal year ended. Several political groups such as Makabayan, Akbayan, and Gabriela Women’s party claim these actions were done without proper justification, raising concerns about the lack of oversight in handling taxpayer money.

With the issues on the misuse of public funds, Brosas highlighted the need for transparency regarding the use of the public’s money.

“The Filipino people deserve to know the truth about how their hard-earned tax money was spent,” Brosas said.

She then further emphasized that it is the constitutional duty of the House to secure the necessary votes to forward the case to the Senate, enabling the trial to commence at the earliest possible time.

Brosas added, “then public and private prosecutors would present the case before the Senate impeachment court.”

Brosas also pointed out that the impeachment process serves as a crucial test of the country’s democratic institutions, emphasizing the importance of addressing the complaints swiftly and fairly. The resolution of these cases, she noted, could either reinforce public trust in government institutions or deepen doubts about the commitment of officials to uphold the rule of law.

The complainants include Fr. Antonio Labiao and Fr. Joel Saballa from the Diocese of Novaliches; Carmelite priests Fr. Rico Ponce, Fr. Dionisio Ramos, and Fr. Esmeraldo Reforeal; Fr. Daniel Pilario of the Congregation of Mission; Simon Serrano, founder of Stop Corruption Philippines; Wilfredo Villanueva, lead founder of the Stand Up for God Rosary Group, along with member Pinky Tam; Maria Loreto Lopez, co-founder of the Matina Community Pantry; and lawyer Shanelle Aubrey Gianina Gomez.