Rep Chua, Ridon urge Senate to proceed with Sara Duterte-Carpio impeachment trial despite SC actions

A congressman on Monday urged the Senate to proceed with Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio's impeachment trial despite recent actions by the Supreme Court (SC) on lawsuits challenging the complaint.

Representatives Joel Chua and Terry Ridon, both lawyers, argue that no temporary restraining order has been issued and there is no reason for the Senate to wait for a decision from the SC.

The House impeached Ms. Duterte in February, citing allegations of budget irregularities, unexplained wealth, and conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., his wife, and Speaker Martin Romualdez; she has denied these allegations.

Petitioners argue that filing another complaint against an impeachable official within a year violates constitutional rules, but Ridon says the first three complaints filed in December were never formally referred to the committee, thus not triggering the one-year bar.

The House maintains its position based on previous Supreme Court decisions and asserts there is no reason for the Senate to wait for further instructions unless the SC orders it to stop.

CAAP reminded the public that making bomb jokes is a serious offense under Presidential Decree No. 1727, which strictly prohibits false bomb threats and can result in imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of P40,000.