House leaders stated that lawmakers can tackle urgent national issues while proceeding with the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong emphasized effective compartmentalization of tasks. The justice committee expects to wrap up by late May.
House assistant majority leader and Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong stated that the House of Representatives can address the country's urgent concerns while fulfilling its constitutional duty to hear impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.
"There are pressing concerns facing the country that can be addressed more effectively by properly compartmentalizing how they are handled," Adiong said in a statement, rejecting calls to halt the impeachment proceedings.
He noted that the President has declared a state of energy emergency and the UPLIFT committee was created to respond to the global oil crisis stemming from the clash between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The House has also approved the suspension of the excise tax to ease impacts on energy, transportation, medicine, and other sectors reliant on imported petroleum.
Meanwhile, justice committee vice chair and San Juan Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora said over the weekend that the proceedings could conclude by the end of May, based on 60 session days from referral. She stressed that confidence in the process reflects lawmakers' assessment of the complaints, not prejudice against the vice president.
