Impeachment Complaints Against President Marcos and VP Duterte Can Be Processed Concurrently in House, Says Rep. Erice
Caloocan City Representative Egay Erice has expressed confidence that the House of Representatives can handle two distinct impeachment complaints simultaneously. This development follows the filing of a complaint against President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., with another anticipated against Vice President Sara Duterte in February.
Procedural Feasibility of Concurrent Hearings
According to Rep. Erice, if the House leadership decides to proceed, lawmakers can review the merits of both complaints concurrently. He clarified that this does not mean holding hearings at the exact same time or on the same day. Instead, the process could be scheduled on separate days within the same week or month, allowing for efficient legislative oversight without overlapping sessions.
Erice emphasized that the setup is entirely feasible if the House leadership supports it, highlighting the flexibility within congressional procedures to address multiple high-profile cases. This approach aims to ensure thorough examination while maintaining the integrity of the impeachment process.
Economic Implications of Dual Impeachment Proceedings
When questioned about potential economic repercussions, Rep. Erice noted that the Philippine economy has already been struggling under the current administration. He attributed this weakness to ongoing scandals surrounding public infrastructure projects, suggesting that the impeachment complaints might not significantly worsen the situation but could bring underlying issues to light.
Erice's comments underscore concerns about political stability and its impact on economic performance, as the nation navigates these legal challenges against its top officials.
