Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua refuted allegations that the House of Representatives rushed the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte, insisting that the procedure was in line with constitutional guidelines.
Chua, who is among the 11 lawmakers set to serve as prosecutors in Duterte’s impeachment trial, dismissed claims from the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban) that the proceedings were manipulated. The political party, led by Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, had earlier condemned what it described as a “railroaded and sham impeachment.”
“Wala namang railroading ‘yan… In fact, ang tao nga two months ago pa hinihingi sa amin ‘yan eh,” Chua was quoted as saying by GMA News Online report. “Kasi it’s just a question na kung kanino ka naka-side eh, siyempre ‘pag ando-doon ka, ‘yun ang sasabihin mo. Pero at the end of the day, ang tagal.”
On Wednesday, the House transmitted the impeachment complaint to the Senate with the backing of 215 lawmakers. By Friday, an additional 25 members signed the complaint, raising the total to 240—well beyond the required 102 signatures to skip committee hearings.
Chua maintained that the House followed legal procedures, citing the constitutional provision allowing impeachment through a one-third vote of its members.
“So hindi naman sinabi na isa lang ang proseso na dapat gawin, hindi naman sinabi na dapat lahat sa Committee on Justice lang,” he explained. “Binigyan tayo ng dalawang options ng ating batas—una, committee procedures or ‘yung isa House action. ‘Yung House action, ‘yun ang tinahak namin.”
The impeachment complaint includes seven articles, among them allegations of unexplained wealth linked to Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). Her reported assets allegedly quadrupled from 2007 to 2017, with former senator Antonio Trillanes previously claiming that the Duterte family had received P2.4 billion in bank deposits.
Chua admitted that lawmakers were still reviewing the materials related to the unexplained wealth claim. “Actually kasi ‘yung materials kabibigay pa lang sa amin so hindi pa namin talaga na [review],” he said, adding that a thorough assessment would be conducted.
However, he noted that the first three articles of impeachment already presented a compelling case, particularly accusations of conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez; mismanagement of P612.5 million in confidential funds; and bribery within the Department of Education during Duterte’s tenure.
“Sa first three articles kumbinsido ka na eh… Sa unang tatlo… mabigat na ‘yung ebidensiya,” Chua said.
Despite the looming trial, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero clarified that the impeachment court has yet to be convened. The trial will commence once the Senate resumes session in June.
Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte has stated that she has no plans to resign from her post amid the impeachment proceedings.
