QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte will continue as scheduled after the Supreme Court (SC) did not issue a temporary restraining order (TRO), according to Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon on Saturday.
Ridon, a member of the House Committee on Justice, said there is no legal barrier preventing the continuation of the hearings, which are set to resume on April 14.
“Wala na pong makakapigil sa pagdinig pong ito,” Ridon said, stressing that the absence of a TRO means the House panel can proceed with its constitutional mandate.
He noted that while the SC has required the House to comment on petitions challenging the impeachment process, it did not halt the proceedings.
House maintains authority over impeachment process
Ridon dismissed claims questioning the validity of the House proceedings, saying the impeachment process was properly referred by the House in plenary session and complies with constitutional rules.
He also rejected arguments that the one-year bar rule was violated, insisting that only one valid referral of impeachment complaints was made to the House justice committee.
“There is no provision in the 1987 Constitution, the House Rules on Impeachment, or jurisprudence that mandates deliberation prior to referral,” Ridon said.
Ongoing legal and political dispute
The impeachment case against Vice President Duterte stems from multiple allegations, including alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Duterte has earlier petitioned the Supreme Court to stop the House proceedings, arguing that the impeachment process is unconstitutional and violates due process.
However, Ridon countered that the petition misrepresents facts and the Constitution, calling it an attempt to mislead both the Court and the public.
Next steps
The House justice committee is expected to continue its hearings on April 14, with officials indicating that additional documents from government agencies and witness testimonies will be presented in the coming sessions.
“We are now in the middle of a constitutional process of accountability,” Ridon said. “We will continue the proceedings until the very end.”
