BY PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA – All three impeachment complaints against President Benigno Aquino III were filed prematurely, Iloilo City’s Rep. Jerry Treñas told Panay News.
Two of the impeachment complaints were about the President’s use of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).
But Treñas said there are yet pending petitions on DAP in the Supreme Court.
The other impeachment complaint was about the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States.
But there are also cases against EDCA pending in the Supreme Court, said Treñas.
On Tuesday, the justice committee of the House of Representatives found three impeachment complaints against President Aquino sufficient in form.
The complaints accused the President of culpable violation of the Constitution over DAP and EDCA.
“I do not believe the President violated the Constitution in such a manner that can be considered culpable,” Treñas told Panay News in a phone interview.
Even if, indeed, there were violations, Treñas said, these could not be classified as culpable.
Culpable, according to Treñas, means “with malice, conscious and knowing for a fact na illegal ang gin obra mo.”
“Ang sa DAP, ano ang malain sa ‘to? ,” said Treñas, a lawyer.
He previously confirmed that his share of DAP went to a “farm-to-market” road in Jaro, Iloilo City.
Iloilo’s Cong. Niel “Jun-jun” Tupas Jr. (5th District) chairs the House justice committee.
“Complaint 1 got 53 votes in favor and one against. Complaint 2 had 42 votes in favor, seven against and four abstentions, while Complaint 3, unanimous vote,” Tupas told Panay News.
On Sept. 2, the House committee on justice will determine the “sufficiency of substance” of the three impeachment complaints.
Treñas, a member of the committee, said he will vote on the basis of evidence that will be presented.
Majority of the justice committee members found the three impeachment complaints sufficient in form because these met the documentary requirements such as the verification and signatures of the complainants and the signatures of the endorsing lawmakers in the resolution of endorsement.
One complaint was endorsed by Bayan Muna representatives Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate and Anakpawis’ Rep. Fernando Hicap.
The other was endorsed by Rep. Terry Ridon of Kabataan party-list.
The third complaint about EDCA was endorsed by Rep. Emmi de Jesus of Gabriela party-list and Rep. Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers party-list.
Malacañang said it respects the House justice committee’s decision and acknowledges its authority over impeachment proceedings.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. also said the Palace is prepared to face whatever decision will be reached by the House justice panel regarding the substance of the impeachment complaints./PN
