Former Bayan Muna party-list chairperson Atty. Neri Colmenares expressed hope that both Congress and the Senate will focus on the merits of the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, rather than being influenced by political or electoral interests.
"I hope they will hear the impeachment complaints and decide on the merits rather than any political or electoral consideration," Colmenares said in an exclusive interview with DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Monday.
The former lawmaker stated that an impeachment complaint serves as the "accountability mechanism" for impeachable officials, such as the Vice President in this case.
He appealed to lawmakers and senators to consider the public's concerns, highlighting the need to explain the P125-million confidential funds, especially as the public faces economic difficulties.
Colmenares voiced his optimism that there is enough time to address the impeachment complaint they lodged, hoping the Senate will act swiftly to resolve it.
"Para sa akin kung one ground lang, kayang kaya ng Senado basta't gustuhin lang nila at sana naman hindi maging issue dito ang electoral consideration," he added.
He emphasized that committees can still operate during recess or adjournment if necessary, especially when handling crucial legislation.
Additionally, he explained that if the impeachment complaint is transmitted to the Senate this week, senators can review it during the break, and the process can proceed in January without delay.
According to Colmenares, the impeachment complaint they filed centers on betrayal of public trust, with the actions derived from the House Committee hearings, making it easier for lawmakers to examine the evidence.
"Kaya nga ginawa namin na ganon ang hugis ng impeachment complaint para hindi na siya hahaba," said Colmenares.
"Well, kung mag 1/3 vote sila [mga kongresista], mabilis na 'yan," he added.
On the possibility of a third impeachment complaint
Colmenares mentioned hearing discussions about a potential third impeachment complaint to be filed against the Vice President.
He further clarified that before the referral of the impeachment complaint to the Justice Committee, anyone can still submit an impeachment complaint.
"So lahat naman sakaling dalhin sa Justice Committee, pwede naman i-consolidate so kami naman 'the more, the merrier' diba?" Colmenares mentioned.
"Pag mas marami in the sense, lalong mapapalakas 'yung consolidated na impeachment complaint,"he added.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s appeal not to proceed with impeachment vs Vice President Duterte
Colmenares stated that he struggles to expect unity from Duterte's end, as he views them as the ones causing division.
"In fact, during the term of President Duterte, he was one of the most divisive Presidents. Bira dito, bira doon," he mentioned.
"Secondly, I think 'yung opinion ni President Marcos was probably based on his analysis sa possible na boto sa Senado pero hindi pa nakikita ng Senado kasi 'yung ebidensya," he added.
Colmenares added that if the senators remain true to their responsibilities, they will carefully consider the merits of the complaints.
The first impeachment complaint was filed in the House of Representatives on December 2, endorsed by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña.
It cited grounds for impeachment, including culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.
Furthermore, the second impeachment complaint was filed on December 4, with betrayal of public trust as the primary ground.
Earlier, President Marcos Jr. publicly voiced his opposition to filing any impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, despite their recent rift.
