By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Thursday said the decision of the House Committee on Justice finding probable cause to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte was grounded on hearing conducted and evidence submitted before lawmakers.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the matter is a congressional prerogative, noting that legislators reached their conclusion after evaluating testimonies and documents submitted during the hearings.
“Iyan po ay trabaho ng Kongreso. Kung nakita po natin ang boto, dahil nakita naman nila sa pamamagitan ng kanilang hearing na naganap, at may mga ebidensiyang naipakita, so ang pagdedesisyon nila ay naaayon naman sa kanilang mga nasaksihan,” Castro said.
The House Committee on Justice on Wednesday unanimously found probable cause to impeach Duterte.
The decision stemmed from two impeachment complaints filed against Duterte, which include allegations of misuse of public funds, betrayal of public trust, corruption, and threats to the First Family.
The committee consolidated the complaints into one article of impeachment, which will be submitted for plenary consideration.
A one-third vote of all House members is required to impeach the Vice President, after which the case will be transmitted to the Senate for trial.
Castro also responded to revelations during the hearings, including alleged threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
The National Bureau of Investigation earlier said one of the individuals allegedly contacted by Duterte in relation to an alleged assassination plot may be a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Despite this, Usec. Castro said the President continues to trust active members of the AFP.
Castro added that any individuals mentioned in the NBI’s statements should be allowed to perform their duties without speculation while proper processes are observed.
“Sa mga aktibong miyembro po ng AFP, ang tiwala po ng Pangulo ay buong-buo,” she said.
