Lawyer flags possible constitutional violations in VP Duterte impeachment

A constitutional expert has raised concerns about potential constitutional violations in the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, citing procedural lapses in how lawmakers handled the process.

Attorney Michael Henry Yusingco, an independent policy analyst, pointed out that the fourth impeachment complaint against Duterte appeared to have been rushed, unlike the first three, which faced delays.

“Unang-una nakita naman natin at hindi naman siguro natin maipagkakaila na minadali [‘yung aksyon sa fourth impeachment complaint.],” Yusingco said in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo’s Story Outlook.

He also questioned whether lawmakers followed the House of Representatives’ impeachment rules, which require them to sign and take an oath before the Secretary General.

“Sa palagay ko hindi nangyari ‘yun kasi isipin mo naman 215 ‘yun. Paano nangyari ‘yun sa isang araw nagawa lahat ‘yun at sabay-sabay silang nanumpa,” he said.

The lawyer stressed the importance of adhering to constitutional guidelines, warning that any irregularities could undermine the legitimacy of the impeachment proceedings.