By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday said lawmakers are free to decide on their position regarding the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The Palace issued the pronouncement after the National Unity Party (NUP), the second-largest political bloc in the House of Representatives, said it would not vote in favor of the impeachment unless compelling new evidence emerges during the hearings.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the administration is not interfering in the decision of lawmakers.
“Decision po nila iyan. May kalayaan po silang mag-decide, hindi naman po sila sinasaklawan ng ating Pangulo at ng administrasyon na ito (That’s their decision. They have the freedom to decide, they are not governed by our President and this administration),” Castro said in a press briefing.
She added that whatever position the party takes would likely be based on what it considers best for its members and its organization.
When asked whether the President still commands substantial numbers in the House, Castro declined to frame the issue in terms of political arithmetic.
“Huwag nating isingit o ilagay sa issue ang numero ng Pangulo sa House of Representatives. Ang Pangulo po ay bumabase sa proseso at sa ebidensiya. Kung ano po iyong makikita nilang ebidensiya, iyon lamang po ang kanilang isulong (Let’s not insert or put the President’s number on the issue in the House of Representatives. The President bases his actions on process and evidence. Whatever evidence they see, that’s all they should advance),” she said.
The impeachment complaint against Duterte is set for hearings in early March, with lawmakers expected to determine whether sufficient grounds exist to proceed further under constitutional processes. (PNA)
