Rep. Zamora sees enough votes, solid impeachment case vs Sara Duterte
MANILA, Philippines – San Juan City Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora on Saturday said there are enough votes and a solid case to move forward with the impeachment of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte despite political concerns.
“I believe we have the numbers,” Zamora, vice chair of the House Committee on Justice, said during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
She noted that under the Constitution, at least one-third of all House members must support the impeachment for the case to be transmitted to the Senate for trial.
“We need one-third or around 106, if I’m not mistaken. And I believe we have the numbers,” Zamora stressed.
Zamora also maintained that the complaints are backed by evidence, addressing questions raised by some lawmakers.
She said some colleagues have questioned the evidence, but stressed that the case is essentially the same as before, now supported by additional evidence and attachments, with similar impeachable offenses.
“I assured my colleagues, meron pong kaso,” she said.
The lawmaker acknowledged that some members have expressed hesitation, particularly with the elections approaching, but said this is expected given the political nature of impeachment.
“Tama po. I admit that some may be dilly-dallyed. I admit that some congressmen have questions compared to last year. Well, of course, dahil paparating na nga po ang next elections,” Zamora said.
“Again, we admit nga po na this is a political process. But as we go along, I believe that our colleagues are seeing the cause that the members of the Committee on Justice are fighting for, ‘ika nga,” Zamora added.
Meanwhile, Zamora clarified that the ongoing proceedings at the committee level are part of determining probable cause, and not yet a full trial.
“Well, under our rules nga po, it is a hearing, but it is also stated under our rules that we can ask questions. There are examination questions that we may propound as members of the House Committee on Justice. Again, it is a hearing for determining probable cause,” Zamora said.
Zamora explained that lawmakers are allowed to ask clarificatory questions, similar to a preliminary investigation conducted by prosecutors.
“Like in a preliminary investigation before a prosecutor, before a fiscal, the fiscal can ask clarificatory questions to the witnesses or to the complainant and the respondents. So ganoon din po ang ginagawa natin,” Zamora said.
