VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte said lawmakers who signed the impeachment sounded too defensive when they released statements explaining their decision.
“If you have to explain your signature in a yes petition for impeachment then you feel that you have done something wrong kasi if wala ka namang ginawang mali bakit mo i-de-defend yung pirma mo (Because if you haven’t done anything wrong, why would you defend your signature)?,” she said.
On Wednesday, a media personality posted that she had the opportunity to speak with Davao del Sur Representative, Congressman Atty. John Tracy F. Cagas, via phone patch regarding his decision to sign the impeachment.
“Yes, I signed the impeachment because it is sufficient in form and substance. The articles of impeachment are based on the records as borne out of the hearings in Congress. As Congressman, it is my sworn duty to sign it and for the respondent to answer it in the impeachment trial to defend the allegations against her.”
Cagas was among the 215 lawmakers who signed on Wednesday for her impeachment case in the House.
Also, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Lordan Suan explained his yes vote for impeaching VP Sara during a phone interview with Magnum Radio.
“Lisud mangud mo vote no or vote yes .Wala na humana na impeach na sya ato. So, ni vote yes lang gihapon ta kay lisud mangud ni atong situation may ako isip Congressman sa District 1 ako gyud gipanumpaan nga serbisyong sa katawhan sa District 1 kay kung mo vote no ko ato mahimo nako ana ug opposition,” Suan said.
Suan said it would be more difficult for him to secure funds for his constituents once he’s no longer with the majority.
Also, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed on Friday, Feb.7 that an additional 25 members of the House of Representatives have submitted verification forms to become complainants in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
These include:
• Biñan Rep. Len Alonte
• Cagayan Rep. Ramon Nolasco Jr.
• Isabela Rep. Tonypet Albano
• Lanao del Norte Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo
• Leyte Rep. Carl Nicolas Cari
• Masbate Rep. Richard Kho
• Masbate Rep. Ara Kho
• Masbate Rep. Wilton Kho
• Negros Occidental Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo
• Quirino Rep. Midy Cua
• Sultan Kudarat Rep. Princess Rihan M. Sakaluran
• Pangasinan Rep. Ramon Guico Jr.
• Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co
• Pangasinan Rep. Arthur Celeste
• Cavite Rep. Adrian Jay Advincula
• Tarlac Rep. Bong Rivera
• Tarlac Rep. Christian Tell Yap
• Oriental Mindoro Rep. Alfonso Umali Jr.
• Ako Bisaya Rep. Sonny Lagon
• GP Rep. Jose Gay Padiernos
• Ako Ilocano Ako Rep. Richelle Singson
• Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo
• SAGIP Rep. Caroline Tanchay
• Abono Rep. Robert Raymund Estrella
• ACT-CIS Rep. Edvic Yap
Velasco explained that the 25 congressmen were unable to personally attend the initial oathtaking and verification due to their commitments in their districts or abroad.
If permitted by the Senate impeachment court, the number of signing congressmen in the complaint will rise to 240.
“The Senate has not yet convened, so it will be up to them on what to do with these 25 members of the House of Representatives who have sent to us their verification,” said Velasco.
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, the House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte after securing 215 signatures. The impeachment followed three complaints, citing alleged misuse of confidential funds, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust—grounds for impeachment under the 1987 Constitution.
Screenshot photos of Rhoda Grace B Saron
