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Manila, Philippines – Despite the Supreme Court's (SC) dismissal of motions seeking intervention in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, the House of Representatives remains optimistic that the high court could still reverse its decision. This hope hinges on the SC's willingness to reconsider its stance and delve deeper into the merits of the articles of impeachment filed against the Vice President.

The issue stemmed from a series of complaints and subsequent impeachment raps brought against VP Duterte, primarily concerning alleged misuse of public funds allocated to the Department of Education (DepEd) through the DepEd Assistance Fund (DAF). The SC previously ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over the impeachment process, effectively leaving the matter in the hands of the House of Representatives.

However, House Speaker Martin Romualdez stated that the House believes the SC can still intervene if it deems necessary to ensure due process and a fair hearing. He emphasized that the House is committed to upholding the Constitution and conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations.

Understanding the Legal Landscape

The impeachment process in the Philippines is a complex one, outlined in the Constitution. The House of Representatives acts as the committee that investigates and can impeach an official, while the Senate serves as the court for the impeachment trial. The SC’s role is generally limited, but it can be called upon to resolve legal disputes related to the process.

Legal experts note that the SC’s initial dismissal was based on procedural grounds, specifically its interpretation of its own jurisdiction. They suggest that if new legal arguments are presented, or if the House’s proceedings raise significant constitutional questions, the SC might be persuaded to revisit its decision.

House’s Next Steps

The House Committee on Justice is currently reviewing the articles of impeachment against VP Duterte. They are expected to conduct hearings to gather evidence and hear testimonies from both sides. The committee's recommendation will then be presented to the full House for a vote. If the House votes to impeach, the case will proceed to the Senate for trial.

Political Ramifications

The impeachment proceedings have significant political implications, particularly within the context of the ongoing power struggle between supporters of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and VP Duterte, who leads the Lakas-CMD party. The outcome of this case could reshape the political landscape and impact the administration’s agenda.

Looking Ahead

The House remains cautiously optimistic about the possibility of the SC’s intervention. They are preparing to present a strong case to the Committee on Justice, hoping to demonstrate the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation. The coming weeks are crucial as the impeachment process unfolds, and the nation watches closely to see how the legal and political battles will play out.