Rep. Ridon Accuses Vice President Sara Duterte of Deceiving Supreme Court and Public Over Impeachment Petition
In a significant development, House Committee on Public Accounts and Bicol Saro Partylist Representative Terry Ridon has leveled serious accusations against Vice President Sara Duterte, alleging that she has engaged in deception targeting both the Supreme Court and the general public. This accusation stems from a petition filed by Duterte seeking to halt the ongoing impeachment proceedings initiated by the House of Representatives against her.
Allegations of Misrepresentation and Constitutional Misinterpretation
In an official statement, Ridon asserted that the petition is fundamentally flawed, as it relies on a misrepresentation of facts and a distorted interpretation of the Philippine Constitution and existing legal precedents. He emphasized that the petition fails to accurately reflect the procedural integrity of the House's actions.
Ridon clarified that the referral of four impeachment complaints to the appropriate committee was conducted properly during the plenary session on February 23, 2026. He stressed that this was not merely an action by House leadership or a single committee but a collective decision by the legislative body, following established protocols.
Refutation of Procedural Claims
The congressman further refuted claims made in the petition regarding the necessity of deliberation before referral. Ridon stated unequivocally that there is no such requirement under the Constitution, House rules, or any existing court decisions. He noted that during the session in question, no lawmaker objected or requested deliberation, indicating broad consensus on the procedural steps taken.
Addressing the one-year bar rule, which limits impeachment complaints against the same official within a year, Ridon argued that no violation occurred. He explained that only one valid referral has been recorded, thereby complying with legal standards. Additionally, he defended the actions of the House Committee on Justice, affirming that its processes, including hearings and evidence gathering, are firmly grounded in law.
Continuation of Impeachment Proceedings
Despite the petition, Ridon assured that the House will continue with the impeachment process without interruption. He highlighted that documents from key agencies such as the Ombudsman, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are expected to be released by April 14. These documents, along with witness testimonies, are crucial to the investigation.
Ridon reiterated the House's commitment to seeing the process through to its conclusion. The aim is to hold Vice President Duterte accountable for alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds during her tenure as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd). This underscores the ongoing political and legal scrutiny surrounding the vice president's actions.
