BEFORE the latest tensions erupted over the weekend between Iran and Israel — with the United States backing Israel — one of the hottest national issues dominating headlines was the four impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
For weeks, Facebook was flooded with news reports, commentaries, blogs, and vlogs dissecting the possibility of Sara’s impeachment.
Yet amid the deluge of public debate over the impeachment issue, Filipinos were stunned by Vice President Sara’s unexpected announcement that she is definitely running for president in the 2028 elections. Even political gurus and analysts were taken aback.
The question then arises: Is VP Sara unafraid of political demolition — like what happened to former senator Manny Villar in the 2010 presidential race and former vice oresident Jojo Binay in 2016?
In all her official appearances following her announcement, VP Sara has remained calm and composed.
Is this a unique public relations strategy?
NUP STATEMENT
Amid debates about Sara’s winnability as a presidential hopeful two years from now — and the possibility of a full-blown impeachment trial — the National Unity Party (NUP) released a statement dated February 25, signed by its secretary-general, Reginald Velasco.
The NUP, as widely known, is a political party founded by ultra-billionaire Enrique K. Razon Jr.
In his statement, Velasco emphasized that impeachment is a solemn constitutional mechanism for enforcing accountability at the highest levels of public office and must therefore be evaluated carefully in light of the evidence presented.
He noted that, at this time, the NUP sees nothing that would warrant another impeachment attempt against the Vice President.
“Unless there is compelling new and material evidence that would warrant a departure from issues that have been the subject of prior inquiries and extensive public hearings,” he added.
Velasco was referring to the previous impeachment complaints filed against VP Sara last year.
Then, on Monday, March 3, only two of the four impeachment complaints against the Vice President were classified as “sufficient in form,” according to the House Committee on Justice.
See?
What will be interesting next is the voting at the House plenary — and how soon it will happen.
Last year, the voting process was rushed through mere signatures, almost like attendance in a meeting.
This time, perhaps, it will go through the normal and legal process.
NO BIG DEAL, NO BIGGIES?
Remember: the House needs at least a one-third vote — or 105 votes — to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate.
At present, the NUP has 33 out of 317 House members. Not enough numbers — at least on paper. Which means there remains a possibility that the House could again succeed in transmitting the articles of impeachment against VP Sara.
For compliance purposes? Maybe.
Exciting, isn’t it?
Then the next battlefield shifts to the Senate. Of the 24 senators, let’s count them one by one. Who are pro-administration? Who are anti-administration? Who are the so-called lukewarm bodies? And what will be the “mighty role” of the NUP? That is the $64,000 question.
Let’s admit it: these days, VP Sara appears “confidently radiant.” Unbothered. No worries. Just work, work, work. So does impeachment mean anything to her?
For VP Sara — as if no big deal, no biggies./PN
