Photo credit: Sara Duterte

House leaders aren’t holding back on their criticism of Vice President Sara Duterte’s latest legal move. After Duterte filed a petition before the Supreme Court (SC) to stop her looming impeachment, lawmakers called it a desperate attempt to dodge accountability.

Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. and Deputy Speaker David “Jay-Jay” Suarez slammed the petition as a blatant effort to undermine Congress’ authority. They argued that impeachment is solely within the House of Representatives’ jurisdiction, and Duterte’s legal maneuver only raises more suspicions about the allegations against her.

“The Constitution is clear – impeachment is the sole prerogative of Congress,” Gonzales said. “Natatakot na sila kaya gusto nang pigilan ang impeachment process. Mukhang totoo ang allegations on corruption lalo’t masisilip ang bank records.”

Suarez echoed this sentiment, saying Duterte’s move reeks of panic and could set a dangerous precedent of judicial interference in a constitutional process.

“If she truly believes she is innocent, she should face the charges head-on instead of running to the courts for protection,” Suarez pointed out. “This attempt to short-circuit the process only raises more questions about what she is trying to hide.”

Despite Duterte’s legal challenge, House leaders insist they won’t back down. They vowed to push through with the impeachment process fairly and transparently, no matter what legal roadblocks are thrown their way.

“We will not be intimidated. The House will exercise its authority responsibly, fairly, and without fear or favor,” they said in a joint statement.

With tensions heating up, all eyes are now on the Supreme Court and how it will respond to Duterte’s petition. Will it intervene, or will Congress move forward with the impeachment case? One thing’s for sure—this political showdown is far from over.