Senators told: Weigh gravity of charges vs VP Sara Duterte
Vice President Sara Duterte speaks during a press conference at her office in Manila on December 11, 2024. Philippine lawmakers on February 5, 2025 voted to send articles of impeachment against Duterte to the Senate, a day before the current congressional session was set to end. (Photo by TED ALJIBE / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun on Sunday urged senators to weigh the gravity of the charges against Vice President Sara Duterte as they prepare for her impeachment trial.
He emphasized the gravity of Duterte’s threats to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and his cousin House Speaker Martin Romualdez, drawing a vivid comparison to threats against lawmakers’ families.
“Is it okay to hire an assassin to kill your wife or husband?” Khonghun asked.
READ: NBI tags VP Duterte for inciting to sedition, grave threats
He also stressed the urgency of moving forward with the impeachment trial, noting that the Constitution mandates the Senate to act “forthwith” on such cases.
Article continues after this advertisement“This is not just about one person. This is about fidelity to the Constitution, it’s about the sanctity of our institutions, the integrity of our democracy, and the security of the President and of every Filipino,” Khonghun said.
Article continues after this advertisement“We should not allow public officials and former influential leaders to use power to eliminate political rivals and get away with it,” he added.
READ: Five things to know about Sara Duterte and her impeachment
Khonghun also said the House prosecution panel is prepared to “present strong evidence,” including videos of Duterte’s alleged threats to Marcos during her press conference.
“The Constitution does not allow us to look away or delay justice. The Filipino people are watching, and history will judge those who stand for accountability and those who choose to enable lawlessness,” he added.
The lawmaker expressed confidence that the prosecution could secure a conviction based on the first article of impeachment alone.
“So let’s start the trial now. Any dilly-dallying benefits the Vice President and gives her more opportunity to carry out her threats,” Khonghun said.
READ: Escudero told: Impeachment is constitutional duty, not cheering contest
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero earlier said Duterte’s impeachment trial would begin after Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) in July.
“Most likely when the new Congress already enters into its functions after Sona. Sona, I think, is on July 21. So [the] trial will commence after that day,” he said.
He added that the Senate is “slowly but surely building up” its preparations for the trial. It has started reviewing materials from previous impeachment proceedings to determine whether they could still be reused or replaced.
