Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation’s probe into the graft and corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay could be used to initiate the impeachment proceedings against him, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said Tuesday.
But De Lima clarified that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has no authority to initiate impeachment proceedings.
“Under the Constitution, only a member of the House of Representatives or a third party but endorsed by member/s of House of Representatives can initiate [the] impeachment proceedings,” De Lima said.
She explained that the Ombudsman has the power to recommend the initiation of an impeachment complaint.
“We will forward the result of our investigation to the Office of the Ombudsman if we can validate and gather enough evidence,” De Lima said.
De Lima reiterated that Binay is not immune from suit nor is he immune from investigation.
The National Bureau of Investigation is ongoing. De Lima is also set to meet with the whistle blowers.
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