Iloilo Third District Representative and House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor said the early declaration of Vice President Sara Duterte’s 2028 presidential bid would not affect the constitutional process on the impeachment complaints filed against her.
“It will not affect how the process will go in terms of hearing it, in terms of deliberations in the Committee on Justice. But I can tell you that it may affect how the voting will come out,” Defensor told reporters during an interview.
“It’s a strategic decision to strengthen her following. Lalo na may mga impeachment complaints na nakahain laban sa kanya. Mabuti din sa kanya para malaman niya kung sino talaga ang mga kakampi niya, kung sino ang hindi niya mga kakampi,” he added.
Defensor assured that the chairman and members of the Committee on Justice will be objective in hearing and deliberating the impeachment complaints based on the Constitution.
“As of right now, as of today, I cannot see getting one-third of endorsements from the members of the House of Representatives. But I can tell you right now that aabot ito sa Committee on Justice,” he said.
The Ilonggo lawmaker also dismissed suggestions that Duterte’s presidential bid would pressure lawmakers.
“No, hindi naman pinipigilan. I don’t see any reason to say na may pumipigil o may nag-influence,” Defensor said.
Duterte, the daughter of detained former president Rodrigo Duterte, made the declaration on Wednesday. Feb. 18. IMT
