The Senate’s move to archive the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte is “not checkmate,” according to Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua, who vowed to continue the fight for accountability despite the recent setback.
On Wednesday night, August 6, the Senate voted 19-4-1 to uphold a motion by Senator Rodante Marcoleta to archive the impeachment articles filed by the House of Representatives. The decision effectively halted any further Senate proceedings on the matter following a Supreme Court (SC) ruling last July 25 that deemed the complaint unconstitutional due to a procedural technicality.
Despite the vote, Chua remained resolute. “We shall not be deterred in our quest for accountability. The Senate action today is not a checkmate,” he declared. “We are merely at an impasse. This game is far from over. We still have strong moves to make in this high-stakes battle for justice and accountability.”
The impeachment complaint, primarily accusing the Vice President of misusing P612.5 million in confidential funds, stemmed from an investigation conducted by the House Committee on Government and Public Accountability, which Chua chaired during the 19th Congress. Chua continues to lead the same committee in the 20th Congress.
The impeachment case was derailed when Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson clarified that a “motion to dismiss” does not exist in plenary proceedings. This led Marcoleta to amend his proposal to a “motion to archive,” which was subsequently approved.
Chua criticized the Senate for what he called a denial of due process. “This decision denies the Filipino people their right to a fair and transparent investigation. It sends the wrong message that powerful figures can escape scrutiny,” he said.
He hinted that further action could still come from the House or through public pressure. “Accountability doesn’t stop at the Senate’s doors. We owe it to the public to keep pushing for truth,” Chua asserted.
While the Senate’s decision may have paused the impeachment proceedings for now, it is clear that Chua and his allies are not backing down. The political conflict surrounding Vice President Duterte’s use of confidential funds is far from over and may yet play out in the court of public opinion or through alternative legal channels.