Romer Butuyan 
PARA kay House Committee on Public Accounts chair at Bicol Saro partylist Rep. Terry Ridon, malinaw ang motibo sa likod ng petisyon inihain sa Korte Suprema ng kampo ni Vice President Sara Duterte — ang idiskaril ang impeachment proceedings.
Gayunpaman, nanindigan si Ridon na walang epekto sa House Justice Committee ang diskarte ng kampo ni bise-presidente, kasabay ng giit na determinado ang Kamara busisiin ang mga aniya’y seryosong alegasyon laban kay Duterte.
Ayon sa Bicol Saro partylist congressman, walang legal na basehan ang hirit na magpalabas ng temporary restraining order (TRO) ang high tribunal o kautusan ng para pigilin ang pagdinig ng Justice committee sa impeachment charges kay Duterte.
“Their claim of taxpayer status as basis for standing is misplaced. Taxpayer suits are recognized only in cases involving the illegal disbursement of public funds. No such disbursement is involved in impeachment proceedings,” dugtong ni Ridon.
Samantala, nanindigan si Justice panel chairperson at Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro sa mandatong nakaatang sa Kongreso alinsunod sa 1987 Constitution.
“The Constitution is equally clear in vesting upon the House of Representatives the sole power to initiate impeachment cases. This is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and one we are duty-bound to carry out faithfully,” ang mariing dagdag naman ng ranking lady House official.
“In all these, we remain guided by one principle: fidelity to the Constitution and service to the Filipino people,” ani Luistro.
Ipinagtanggol ng Batangas solon ang isinasagawang pagdinig na bahagi aniya ng constitutional process sa layuning matukoy kung mayroong sapat na batayan, hindi para sabihin guilty ang respondent gayundin ang magsagawa ng trial, dahil ito aniya ay trabaho ng Senado.
“We also emphasize that the process being undertaken is anchored on due process, consistent with the Constitution, the Rules on Impeachment, and relevant jurisprudence. The proceedings are open, orderly, and provide all parties the opportunity to be heard.”
