Davao Congressman Paolo Duterte Blasts House Over Impeachment Complaint Dismissal
In a strongly worded statement, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte has sharply criticized the House of Representatives for its recent decision to reject the third impeachment complaint filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The lawmaker asserted that this action constitutes a clear violation of the Constitution and serves as a direct insult to the Filipino public.
Constitutional Concerns and Process Disputes
Duterte emphasized that the House's explanation for the rejection—citing the absence of the Secretary General abroad—is unacceptable. He argued that the complaint could have been received by any authorized personnel within the office, making the refusal appear as a deliberate attempt to shield the President from accountability. According to Duterte, this is not merely a procedural issue but a calculated effort to protect Marcos, undermining the House's duty to uphold the law.
Historical Context and Public Trust
This marks the second time the House has dismissed an impeachment complaint, following a similar rejection of a complaint from the Duterte Youth party-list last year. Duterte expressed deep concern over this pattern, warning that using "weak excuses" to block legitimate cases erodes public trust and fosters suspicion towards the House leadership. He stressed that impeachment is a constitutional obligation, not a privilege, and called for the House to stand firm, fulfill its responsibilities, and respect the Constitution to maintain democratic integrity.
