Facts Not Feelings (2025)

09/07/2025

Quad Comm bill on forfeiture of land illegally owned by foreigners re-filed in Congress

A group of House leaders on Wednesday re-filed a bill mandating the civil forfeiture of real estate properties illegally acquired by foreign nationals in the Philippines, after the Quad Comm inquiry that revealed a pattern of fraudulent land acquisitions linked to foreign-owned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and other illicit activities.

House Bill (HB) No. 1628, also known as the “Civil Forfeiture Act,” was introduced in the 20th Congress by Reps. David “Jay-jay” Suarez (Quezon, 2nd District), Bienvenido Abante Jr. (Manila, 6th District), Romeo Acop (Antipolo, 2nd District), Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur, 1st District), Paolo Ortega V (La Union, 1st District), Ernesto Dionisio Jr. (Manila, 1st District), Rodge Gutierrez (1-RIDER Party-list), Lordan Suan (Cagayan de Oro City, 1st District), Jay Khonghun (Zambales, 1st District), Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro (Batangas, 2nd District), and Jonathan Keith Flores (Bukidnon, 2nd District).

The bill was personally filed by Ortega, Abante, Luistro, Khonghun, Adiong, Dionisio, and Suan.

All lawnakers served as members of the House Quad Comm in the 19th Congress, which previously probed smuggling, identity fraud and offshore criminal operations involving foreign nationals.

The proposed measure builds on findings where the Quad Comm confirmed that foreign nationals had used forged documents such as fake birth certificates and driver’s licenses to pose as Filipino citizens in order to acquire land, an act prohibited under the Philippine Constitution.

Under Article XII, Sections 7 and 8, land ownership is reserved for Filipino citizens and entities, with narrow exceptions such as hereditary succession and land acquisition by natural-born Filipinos who have lost citizenship.

One of the most consequential provisions of the bill is found in Section 4, which establishes a prima facie presumption that any real estate property acquired by a foreign national is unlawfully obtained, unless proven otherwise.

This presumption places the burden of proof on the foreign national, shifting the legal framework in favor of constitutional enforcement.

Under the proposed law, the Solicitor General shall institute civil forfeiture proceedings for any land transferred in violation of ownership restrictions, with authority to delegate the case to the National Prosecution Service.

Any taxpayer may initiate a complaint, which the city or provincial prosecutor must evaluate through a preliminary investigation before recommending action.

The bill also makes clear that registration in the name of a foreigner or their proxy will not protect the property from forfeiture, stating that a recorded title in the Registry of Deeds does not preclude civil action if the acquisition violates land ownership laws.

To encourage cooperation, the bill grants immunity from criminal prosecution to individuals who testify to the unlawful methods by which land was acquired by a foreign national, provided such testimony is critical to proving the violation.

In terms of disposition, Section 10 provides that forfeited agricultural land shall be distributed to qualified farmers through the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Non-agricultural land, on the other hand, may be used for schools, hospitals or socialized services, or turned over to the local government.

The President may authorize its disposal through the Privatization and Management Office if social use is no longer viable.

To strengthen enforcement, the Land Registration Authority and local government units are mandated to monitor all land transfers and immediately flag suspicious conveyances to the Solicitor General.

The measure also ties in with the Anti-Dummy Law by requiring LGUs to track how real estate properties are actually used.

08/07/2025

House prosecutor responds to Sen. Zubiri’s ‘witch hunt’ remark on VP Duterte impeachment: Calls it inappropriate for a senator-judge

A member of the House prosecution panel on Tuesday expressed concern over Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri’s remark describing the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as a “witch hunt,” noting that such a statement may be considered premature and inappropriate coming from a senator-judge.

“It’s very unbecoming of a senator-judge in an impeachment trial to say that the impeachment complaint and the trial is a witch hunt,” said reelected Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor.

“Hindi dapat nanggagaling ‘yun sa isang senator-judge who is expected to receive the evidence with impartiality and to treat the impeachment as a constitutional process,” he added.

Zubiri made the comment on Monday, which drew strong reactions from both supporters and critics of the impeachment.

Defensor emphasized that lawmakers, particularly those who will sit as senator-judges, should refrain from issuing statements that appear to prejudge the case or hint at its eventual outcome before any evidence is even presented.

“Sana hindi na maulit ‘yun. We should limit what we say to the public specially how we prejudge the impeachment as well as the coming evidence during the trial,” he said.

Asked how such statements might affect the credibility of the impeachment proceedings, Defensor warned that they could be perceived as an attempt to preemptively dismiss the case.

“Hindi maiwasan na ma-interpret ang sinasabi nila as telegraphing a dismissal early on before the trial will start,” he said.

He further argued that dismissive remarks diminish the public’s confidence in the Senate’s ability to act as an impartial impeachment court.

“It affects the people’s perception of how the case will go about and how the trial will proceed. It’s telegraphing how they want the case to be decided early on, even before the evidence is presented,” Defensor said.

He reminded the public that impeachment is a constitutional process rooted in the will of the people, carried out by their elected representatives. With more than 215 House members voting to transmit the complaint to the Senate, Defensor said it deserves a fair and full hearing.

“Remember that the impeachment is a political process. It is an act not only by the members of Congress but representatives of Filipinos who were delegated by the people to initiate impeachment proceedings,” he said.

“So galing ito sa tao na bumoto sa more than 215 members of Congress who represented Filipinos. Kaya hindi ito witch hunt,” Defensor said.

“Pakinggan muna natin ‘yung ebidensya bago tayo magsalita. Even as a prosecutor, I did not prejudge a conviction or an acquittal. All we are saying is that may ebidensya dito at naniniwala ang more than 215 members of Congress. Dapat pakinggan niyo before calling it a witch hunt.”

Defensor said the House prosecution panel is confident in the strength of its case, having submitted what he described as a well-written and authoritative reply to the Vice President’s answer.

“I’m so glad that we filed a very good, well-written and authoritative reply para makita kung gaano katatag yung kaso at sana mailatag natin sa publiko,” he said.

He urged Filipinos to follow the trial closely, warning that allowing such a process to be dismissed too easily would set a dangerous precedent.

“Every Filipino should watch this impeachment. Bantayan natin ito kasi para ito sa taong bayan,” he said.

07/07/2025

Romualdez hails Marcos for expanding internet backbone: “Reliable internet must reach every Filipino”

LEYTE 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday welcomed the rollout of Phases 2 and 3 of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) Project in Palo, Leyte, describing it as a strong step toward giving every Filipino household access to fast and reliable internet.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is making sure internet service becomes a basic right, not a privilege,” Romualdez said. “This launch shows we are serious about bringing dependable connections to people who have waited far too long.”

Romualdez joined the President and other officials at the launch event held at The Tropics in McArthur Park Hotel in Palo.

With the new phases, the NFB project will expand its coverage in Luzon, reach across the Visayas including Eastern Visayas, and begin rollout in parts of Mindanao. It aims to connect nearly 1,000 government offices, 20 provinces, benefiting approximately 17 million Filipinos, including 1.39 million unique users.

Romualdez emphasized that in today’s world, internet access is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity that every Filipino family must have.

“Walang pamilya ang dapat maiwan. Ang koneksyon sa internet ay hindi na dapat ituring na pribilehiyo—isa na po itong karapatang kailangang maabot ng bawat tahanan,” Romualdez said.

“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa bilis ng internet. Mas mahalaga, mapapadali ang pag-access ng mga pamilya sa serbisyo ng gobyerno, makakapag-aral nang tuloy-tuloy ang mga estudyante saan mang panig ng bansa, at magkakaroon ng mas malaking pagkakataon ang maliliit na negosyo na lumago at makipagsabayan.”

He stressed that areas like Eastern Visayas, long left behind in terms of digital infrastructure, stand to benefit the most.

Romualdez said he will work to ensure that the proposed 2026 national budget provides adequate support for digital infrastructure projects, particularly those under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) such as the Middle Mile Network, GovNet, and the Free Public Internet Access Program.

“We have a duty to make sure these projects are funded well and implemented right,” he said. “Connectivity should not depend on where you live. Every barangay, from the center of the city to the farthest island, deserves access to reliable internet.”

“Dito natin maipapakita ang tunay na layunin ng Bagong Pilipinas—ang gobyernong marunong tumugon sa pangangailangan ng bawat mamamayan.”

Apart from the Phases 2 and 3 of the NFB, President Marcos also launched Free Public Wi-Fi at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, in Palo, Leyte.

Started in 2024, the NFB project is a multi-phase effort to create a high-speed, secure communications network across the country. The expanded coverage in Phases 2 and 3 sets the stage for future growth in digital health, education, and commerce in areas like Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and beyond.

“Hindi ito proyekto ng iilan. Ito ay para sa pamilyang Pilipino—para sa mga estudyante, manggagawa, negosyante, at bawat isa na kailangang kumonekta sa mas mabilis na mundo,” Romualdez said.

“Kasama niyo kami sa Kongreso sa pagtataguyod ng mga ganitong hakbang—tahimik man pero may tunay na epekto sa buhay ng karaniwang tao.”

06/07/2025

Romualdez files budget reform bill to deliver faster, accountable services to Filipinos

EVEN before the 20th Congress opens its session on July 28, reelected Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has moved to overhaul the national budgeting system to ensure public funds deliver concrete results instead of being trapped in delays and inefficiency.

Rep. Romualdez, the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 19th Congress, filed House Bill (HB) No. 11, known as the Budget Modernization Act, which proposes a shift to a cash-based budgeting system.

The bill aims to accelerate the delivery of government services, eliminate wasteful spending and make all government transactions easier to monitor and assess.

“Bawat sentimo sa national budget ay pera ng taongbayan. Kailangan magamit ito nang mabilis, tapat at may malinaw na resulta para sa mga Pilipino, lalo na sa mga nangangailangan,” Speaker Romualdez, who earlier backed the proposal to make public the bicameral deliberations of the national budget, said.

The bill is co-authored by Tingog Party-list Reps. Andrew Julian K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre.

According to the measure, a Cash Budgeting System “refers to the annual appropriations that limit incurring obligations and disbursing payments to goods delivered and services rendered, inspected and accepted within the current fiscal year.”

The measure targets long-standing problems in public finance where funds are obligated but not spent, resulting in delayed infrastructure, stalled programs and unutilized aid.

It mandates agencies to implement projects within the same fiscal year, with only a three-month extension for payments.

This will compel agencies to plan better, deliver faster and report clearer outcomes.

“Kapag may pondong inilaan para sa eskwelahan, dapat may maitayong silid-aralan. Kung may budget para sa kalsada, dapat may daang natatapos. Hindi puwedeng puro plano, walang resulta,” Speaker Romualdez added.

HB No. 11 also addresses the issue of so-called “parked” funds and off-budget items by requiring greater transparency and stricter definitions for appropriations.

The bill restricts the use of lump-sum or special purpose funds without clear deliverables and timelines.

To ensure real-time oversight, the measure requires agencies to use a digital public financial management system that can track every peso spent.

Rep. Romualdez said this will improve transparency, curb corruption and restore confidence in how government handles taxpayer money.

“’Pag malinaw ang sistema, madaling masilip ng taumbayan kung saan talaga napupunta ang pondo. Iyan ang tunay na malasakit,” he said.

Another key provision is the introduction of performance-based budgeting. Agencies will no longer be evaluated solely by how much they’ve spent, but by the outcomes they’ve achieved.

This will allow the public to directly see how their taxes translated into actual improvements in their communities.

“Hindi na sapat ang sabihing nagastos ang pondo. Dapat makita ng taumbayan kung ano ang naitulong nito sa kanilang buhay,” Rep. Romualdez emphasized.

Rep. Romualdez said the early filing of this bill is a signal of his intent to keep working even as leadership matters remain pending ahead of the 20th Congress.

“Hindi na kailangang maghintay ng SONA o botohan ng Speaker. Kung may pwedeng simulan na ngayon na makakabuti sa bayan, gagawin natin. Tuloy ang trabaho para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.

HB No. 11 is part of a broader reform package Rep. Romualdez is pursuing to improve fiscal discipline, upgrade service delivery and institutionalize accountability in national budgeting.

It aligns with the Marcos administration’s Bagong Pilipinas campaign to deliver measurable and inclusive progress for ordinary Filipinos.

04/07/2025

Romualdez: 20th Congress should prioritize economic measures toward UMIC status

REELECTED Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez today vowed to push for inclusion in the legislative agenda of the House of Representatives measures to reinforce the national goal of achieving upper-middle income (UMIC) status for our country by late 2025 or 2026.

Rep. Romualdez, Speaker of the recently concluded 19th Congress, shared Finance Secretary Ralph Recto’s optimism that the country could reach UMIC status by the end of this year or in 2026, based on data from the World Bank and the country’s economic performance.

“I will espouse legislative priorities that would help sustain this momentum,” said Rep. Romualdez. “Our goal is to create a policy environment that supports job creation, raises incomes, and ensures that economic gains are felt across all sectors of society.”

To achieve this end, he said the 20th Congress – which opens later this month – should focus on measures that “promote inclusive growth, improve public services, and support investments in infrastructure, digitalization, and human capital development.”

It is also crucial, Rep. Romualdez said, for legislative priorities to include measures that strengthen food security, increase access to affordable healthcare and education, and expand infrastructure development through the Build Better More (BBM) program.

“In support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for a Bagong Pilipinas, I and our allies in the House would work to ensure every law we pass brings us closer to an economy that works for all Filipinos,” said Rep. Romualdez, president of Lakas-CMD---the biggest political bloc in the House comprising about a third of the chamber.

According to the World Bank’s latest classification, the Philippines remains in the lower-middle income (LMIC) category with a gross national income (GNI) per capita of USD4,470 in 2024.

This figure surpassed the lower end of the government’s 2023-2028 target and brought the country closer to the UMIC threshold of USD4,496.

The Marcos administration has also projected in its 2024 Philippine Development Report that the country could attain upper middle-income status by 2025 or 2026, “driven by strong economic performance and sound fiscal policies.”

Rep. Romualdez added that the House should work closely with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to ensure that the 2026 national budget – set at P6.793 trillion – will serve as a key tool to accelerate progress toward the Marcos administration’s medium-term development goals.

“We want the national budget to reflect our shared goals of lifting more Filipinos out of poverty, closing inequality gaps, and making government services more efficient and accessible,” he said.

He added that such spending, when properly implemented, can stimulate domestic demand and protect purchasing power, particularly in rural and low-income communities.

“Sound budgeting and responsible legislation go hand in hand. The House is committed to supporting the executive’s fiscal roadmap and ensuring that resources are directed toward inclusive and sustainable development,” Rep. Romualdez said.

He expressed confidence that the House would continue working with the administration to pass measures supporting these objectives, while being mindful of inflation risks and fiscal sustainability.

“Achieving upper-middle income status is a meaningful milestone, but more important is ensuring that growth leads to tangible improvements in the lives of our people,” he said.

“We are committed to legislation that enables broad-based progress and economic security for all Filipinos.”

02/07/2025

No real challenge to Romualdez’s Speakership: This has been settled weeks ago with support of 287 lawmakers

The speakership race for the incoming 20th Congress appears to be a foregone conclusion as far as many House members are concerned, with no serious challenge expected against the bid of reelected 1st District Leyte Rep. Martin G. Romualdez’s to retain the top post.

“The question of Speakership has already been resolved many, many weeks ago,” according to reelected Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, who cited the broad base of support Romualdez commands among incoming lawmakers.

Acidre said that 283 members of the 20th Congress have already signed written pledges backing Romualdez’s reelection as Speaker, and a total of 287 has signified support for his speakership.

“And I don’t think this is any more a question that needs to be resolved,” he said.

The House is set to formally elect its new leaders when the 20th Congress convenes on July 28.

Rep. Romualdez served as Speaker of the House in the 19th Congress, presiding over landmark legislation and budget deliberations, and was widely credited for aligning the chamber’s priorities with the Marcos administration’s socioeconomic agenda.

His allies expect him to maintain this legislative momentum in the new Congress.

Asked directly if there is any “naghahamon” or challenger for the House leadership post, Acidre responded,

“Sa totoo lang hindi ko na nga naisip ‘yung tungkol sa Speakership.”

He explained that with the numbers already in Romualdez’s favor, the scenario on the morning of July 28 is unlikely to feature any drama.

Many view the early consolidation of support as a stabilizing force for the legislative agenda of the Marcos administration.

Acidre emphasized that the focus now is on the first regular session, which includes tackling legislative priorities such as the national budget, economic reform bills and oversight matters.

“Our support for Congressman Martin Romualdez to be the next speaker of the House remains strong as ever,” Acidre said.

02/07/2025

Lakas-CMD grows stronger with another lawmaker joining the party, membership now at 111

Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), the largest political party in the country and in Congress, continues to expand its ranks with another congressman joining its fold, raising its membership in the House of Representatives in the upcoming 20th Congress to 111.

Reelected Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Speaker of the 19th Congress and President of Lakas-CMD, administered the oath of membership today to the newest member of the party—Representative Dibu Tuan of the 3rd District of South Cotabato.

With this development, Lakas-CMD members now comprise at least one-third of the House of Representatives in the 20th Congress.

In welcoming the party’s new member, Rep. Romualdez expressed confidence his Lakas-CMD party mates share the goals and aspirations of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for a better life for the Filipino people and the realization of a “Bagong Pilipinas.”

He noted that the President has recently embarked on provincial visits to personally ensure that his programs, projects, and policies are being properly implemented and that his vision is steadily taking shape on the ground.

“Let us help him accomplish his mission and vision. As members of Congress working alongside barangay leaders and local officials, we serve as his direct link to the people,” he added.

“Let us also continue to support his legislative initiatives, his pro-poor agenda and his economic development roadmap,” he said.

He encouraged the recent addition to the party’s ranks to engage actively and productively with both the party and the 20th Congress.

The affiliation of Rep. Tuan with Lakas-CMD followed the recent oath-taking of Reps. Jhong Ceniza of Davao de Oro’s 2nd district, Gerald Galang of the 2nd district of Valenzuela, Leandro Leviste (Independent) of the 1st District of Batangas, Mauricio Domogan (Independent) of the Lone District of Baguio City, John Tracy Cagas (NP) of the Lone District of Davao del Sur, Edwin Crusado (PMP) of Cotabato’s 1st District, and Reynaldo Salvacion (Independent) of the Lone District of Marinduque.

Governor Raul Mabanglo of Davao de Oro has also formally joined Lakas-CMD, bringing the number of governors affiliated with the party to 16.

01/07/2025

Romualdez: Poor Elementary Students Must Get Chance for Free Education in Private Schools
Speaker pushes voucher bill to solve education crisis, support small private schools in provinces

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez is pushing for the passage of a landmark bill that will give poor and underserved elementary students the opportunity to study for free in private schools—through government-funded education vouchers.

Romualdez said his House Bill No. 4, the “Private Basic Education Vouchers Assistance Act,” seeks to address the country’s worsening education crisis by making quality education more accessible, easing the congestion in public schools, and supporting small but high-performing private schools—especially in the provinces.

“This is not just about creating more classrooms. This is about giving Filipino children, especially the poor, a real choice and a real chance at a better future,” the Speaker said.

“Kung siksikan na sa public school, bakit hindi natin tulungan ang bata na makapasok sa private school sa tabi? Karapatan ng bawat bata ang dekalidad na edukasyon—kahit saan pa siya nag-aaral.”

Under the proposed law, students from low- and middle-income families living in areas with overcrowded or inaccessible public schools may receive government vouchers to help pay for tuition and other fees in participating private elementary and high schools. The voucher amounts will be higher for students from the most underprivileged backgrounds.

Romualdez also emphasized the vital role of small private schools across the country, many of which are struggling to stay open despite offering quality education.

“Sa mga lalawigan, maraming private schools ang tahimik na nagbibigay ng dekalidad na edukasyon pero hirap makatawid dahil sa kakulangan ng suporta. Panahon na para kilalanin at palakasin ang papel nila.”

“These schools are not just education providers—they are community institutions,” Romualdez added. “By supporting them, we are also investing in the long-term growth and stability of our local communities.”

The bill proposes the creation of a Bureau of Private Education under the Department of Education (DepEd) to oversee the implementation of the voucher program and ensure participating schools meet quality standards. These schools will be required to undergo performance assessments, including participation in national achievement tests and student outcome monitoring.

Aside from helping students, the bill also supports private school teachers by establishing a Teachers’ Salary Subsidy Fund and a Training Fund for professional development, particularly in critical subject areas and use of technology.

“The learning crisis is not just a problem of low test scores. It is a problem of opportunity,” the Speaker said, citing data that show over 80% of Filipino students fail to meet minimum proficiency in reading and math based on global assessments.

“Hindi lahat ng problema sa edukasyon ay kayang sagutin ng gobyerno lang. Kailangang buhaying muli ang partnership natin sa mga pribadong paaralan.”

Through a centralized voucher system, families will be able to choose from a registry of accredited private schools in their area. The program encourages competition and innovation in education, while giving public school systems room to breathe.

“By expanding choices for families and boosting quality among education providers, we are laying the foundation for long-term reform,” Romualdez said.

“Kapag may choice ang magulang, mas lumalakas ang tsansa ng bata na umasenso. Hindi ito limos—ito ay karapatang dapat tinutupad ng estado.”

The Speaker urged Congress to pass the measure swiftly so it can be rolled out beginning school year 2026–2027.

“This is a bold but necessary step toward solving our education crisis,” Romualdez said. “No child should be denied access to quality education just because they were born poor, or because the nearest public school is already full.”

“Ang edukasyon ang pinakamatibay na tulay sa pag-angat. Dapat siguraduhin nating ang bawat batang Pilipino ay makakatawid.”

27/06/2025

House prosecution files Reply: VP Duterte’s Answer ad cautelam full of falsehoods, baseless arguments
Asks Senate to proceed to trial

THE House panel prosecuting Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday asked the Senate Impeachment Court to proceed with trial, declaring in their official reply that her Answer ad cautelam was full of falsehoods, misleading claims, and baseless procedural objections.

“The Filipino people have a fundamental right to witness this process unfold. No bloodbath is necessary. Let the trial begin,” the prosecutors wrote in the Reply signed by Marcelino C. Libanan.

Prosecutors stressed that “the severity of the charges leaves no room for technical evasion,” urging the impeachment court to “reject respondent Duterte’s desire for a dismissal without trial.”

Filed Friday before the Senate sitting as an Impeachment Court, the Reply from the House prosecution team directly confronted each of Duterte’s arguments, describing her legal tactics as a transparent attempt to delay or dismiss the proceedings rather than answer the charges.

“These Articles of Impeachment highlight respondent Duterte’s unfitness for public office,” the prosecutors wrote, emphasizing that she should be tried and held accountable before the Filipino people.

The document refutes Duterte’s repeated claim that the Senate lacked jurisdiction due to the alleged absence of properly transmitted Articles of Impeachment.

Prosecutors pointed out that Duterte herself acknowledged receiving the Articles and had filed her Answer in response.

“It is rather strange for respondent Duterte to argue that the Honorable Impeachment Court did not have in its possession the Articles of Impeachment when she admitted having received the same,” they noted.

Even the Senate’s order to return the Articles to the House did not divest it of jurisdiction, the prosecutors argued, quoting the Senate’s own resolution which stated that the case was “not dismissed or terminated.”

Prosecutors stressed that the Court still exercised authority, as shown by its issuance of a summons and transmission of the Articles to Duterte.

The House panel also rejected Duterte’s reliance on Senate Resolution No. 1013, which she cited to argue that no formal presentation of the Articles had occurred. According to the prosecution panel, this resolution was never adopted and had no binding effect.

“It was merely a proposal during the 17th Congress,” they stated.

Likewise, the prosecution dismissed Duterte’s invocation of Supreme Court jurisprudence like Balag v. Senate, which she cited to claim the Senate was not a continuing body.

Prosecutors accused her of entirely modifying a Supreme Court decision, pointing out that the ruling explicitly states the Senate is continuing in nature and can maintain non-legislative functions such as impeachment trials even across Congress transitions.

The House also answered Duterte’s claim that the impeachment proceedings violated the one-year bar rule. Prosecutors explained that the verified complaint signed by one-third of the House members was filed on February 5, 2025, and this was the only complaint “initiated” under the Constitution.

In response to Duterte’s allegation that she was not given due process, the prosecutors emphasized that because the verified complaint was filed under Rule IV, it already constituted the Articles of Impeachment and did not require committee hearings or respondent participation at the House level.

The Senate trial is the proper venue for Duterte to address the charges.

They also addressed Duterte’s objection to using her livestreamed statements and interviews as evidence.

The House prosecutors called out her “selective and self-serving application of principles,” noting that Duterte herself used televised interviews to justify her defense.

“This selective and self-serving application of principles of law should not be countenanced,” they wrote.

The prosecution accused Duterte of repeatedly resorting to false statements and misrepresentations, which the prosecution said may even violate ethical rules for lawyers.

“This clearly shows that respondent Duterte continues to perpetuate falsehoods, deception and injustice by resorting to mislead this Honorable Impeachment Court with inaccuracies and false contentions,” they stated.

Prosecutors further asserted that the constitutional mandate clearly allows an impeachment to be initiated by one Congress and tried by the next.

“When the Senate sits as an impeachment court, it does not become functus officio, even if its composition changes,” the document read.

They cited past jurisprudence affirming the Senate’s continuing nature in both legislative and non-legislative roles.

They reiterated that impeachment is sui generis, which means it is neither civil, criminal nor administrative, and is designed to ensure public accountability, not to punish.

They reminded the Senate that “public officials must be held accountable for impeachable offenses” and that this process must be seen by the people in open court.

In its final paragraphs, the prosecution characterized Duterte’s legal strategy as evasive.

“It is obvious from a simple reading of the Answer Ad Cautelam – which relies on misleading claims and baseless procedural objections – that the only legal strategy of the defense is to have the case dismissed and avoid trial.”

They urged the Senate to render a judgment of conviction, remove Duterte from office, and impose a penalty of perpetual disqualification.

Facts Not Feelings

09/07/2025

08/07/2025

07/07/2025

06/07/2025

04/07/2025

02/07/2025

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01/07/2025

27/06/2025

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