Sen. Risa Hontiveros Speaks on Impeachment Trial amid Move To Oust PBBM
RISA HONTIVEROS – The Senator admitted that it is not an ideal situation if both President Bongbong Marcos and Vice Pres. Sara Duterte will be impeached.
Amid the impeachment talks against the President and the Vice President, Senate Pres. Tito Sotto previously claimed that he will act “forthwith” on any impeachment complaint that may be filed against Marcos Jr. and Duterte. To recall, the upper chamber was previously criticized over the alleged delay on the impeachment trial against the Vice President.
After the Supreme Court ruled that the impeachment trial against Vice Pres. Sara Duterte is unconstitutional, the Senate which was then under the lead of Sen. Chiz Escudero archived the impeachment complaint with a 19-4-1 voting. Now-Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros is one of those who voted against the motion to archive the impeachment complaint.
Recently, there were talks about the filing of a fresh impeachment case against Vice Pres. Sara Duterte which the VP herself already expects after the lifting of the ban this February. Impeachment talks against Pres. Bongbong Marcos also crossed the surface after the signing of the 2026 national budget.
In fact, an impeachment complaint was filed against Marcos Jr. over the alleged betrayal of public trust. Among the grounds cited in the complaint were the alleged “surrender” of the custody of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as well as the supposed illegal drug use and flood control corruption.
Recently, some senators gave their take on the impeachment talks that crossed the surface amid the House eyeing two (2) impeachment complaints. Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros spoke on the possible impeachment of both Pres. Bongbong Marcos and Vice Pres. Sara Duterte.
According to News5, during a press conference, Sen. Risa Hontiveros admitted that if both Pres. Bongbong Marcos and Vice Pres. Sara Duterte will be impeached, it will not be good for the image and economy of the country. She admitted that it is “not an ideal situation” but explained the impeachment process.
“Well of course, hindi ‘yan ideal situation but ang prinsipyo din naman sa puso ng anumang impeachment complaint kung umabot dito sa Senate na nag-pass ng judgment ang House na, anong language nila, sufficient in form and substance na may humihingi talangang mamamayan ng accountability on the part of public officials and nobody can quarrel that principle of accountability of public officials,” the Senator said.
Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros further expressed that even the talks about the stability and the attractiveness of the economy depends on the perception of the Filipino people and the international community. Based on the post, she stressed the value of transparency, accountability, and good governance.
“Although it is not an ideal situation kung magkaroon man ng dalawang sabay na impeachment trials tungkulin ‘yan ng Senado and, in the longer run, kung ma resolve or magsara ‘yung dalawang trial satisfactorily or properly, in the long run, it should contribute sa pag-unlad ng ating bansa,” Hontiveros added.
Amid the impeachment case against the President, a lawmaker claimed that House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos allegedly has “no choice” but to process the impeachment complaint against Pres. Bongbong Marcos.