Libanan urges swift impeachment trial for VP Sara Duterte

House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan urged for the expedition of all impeachment trials, particularly the one against Vice President Sara Duterte, to prevent abuse of power.

Libanan cited upholding the rule of law, reinforcing public accountability, maintaining public trust in government institutions, and preserving institutional integrity as reasons for expediting impeachment trials.

He warned that the longer an impeachable official stays in power, the greater the risk of obstruction through witness intimidation, system manipulation, or other means to evade accountability.

The impeachment of Vice President Duterte was initiated on February 5, with allegations including secret fund misuse, unexplained wealth, acts of destabilization, and plotting the assassination of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.

Ms. Duterte has denied all accusations.

The impeachment complaint, signed by over 200 congressmen, met the legal requirement of more than one-third of the House membership.

Libanan, a lawyer and member of the prosecution team, is reportedly conducting mock trials in preparation for the Senate proceedings scheduled for July.

Speaker Martin Romualdez reaffirmed the House prosecution panel's preparedness to work closely with the Senate to ensure a transparent and credible impeachment trial.