Former Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III said Vice President Sara Duterte could still face an impeachment trial and possible perpetual disqualification from public office even if she resigns after the impeachment process has already begun.
Speaking in an interview on DZRH’s “Damdaming Bayan,” Pimentel said resignation at the current stage of the proceedings would no longer automatically stop the accountability process because the impeachment case has already been initiated.
“Kung mag-resign siya ngayon, ngayon na-file na. At natingin ko hindi na mase-save ang sarili niya kasi umpisa na yung accountability process kasi ito,” Pimentel said
“Ang purpose kasi ng impeachment, hindi lamang tanggalin sa pwesto yung nakaupong mataas na opisyales ng gobyerno, may kasamang penalty pa rin ito. May additional penalty. Tanggal ka sa gobyerno, hindi ka na pwedeng humawak ng anumang posisyon sa gobyerno,” Pimentel said.
Pimentel noted that if Duterte had resigned earlier, while the complaint was still being discussed at the House of Representatives, lawmakers could have decided to stop the proceedings before the case reached the Senate impeachment court.
He added, however, that resignation would not automatically mean conviction, stressing that the Senate impeachment court could still acquit the vice president.
“Ngayon, pero hindi ko pa rin sinasabi na 'yun ang mangyayari kasi pwede pa rin ang desisyon ng impeachment court ay not guilty," he said.
“Pag ang desisyon ng impeachment court, kahit na nag-resign. Kunyari, ganito ang senaryo natin. Nasa impeachment court na yung kaso, nag-resign na yung impeach official. Ang sabi ng impeachment court, hindi... Hindi moot and academic ang kaso. Tuloy ang kaso. Tuloy presenta niyo yung ebidensya niyo... So kung not guilty siya, Hindi lamang na hindi siya pwersahang alisin sa posisyon, although let us say nag-resign na siya, pero wala yung kasamang penalty na hindi ka na pwedeng bumalik sa gobyerno. Pwede ka pang bumalik sa gobyerno kasi you're not guilty,” the former lawmaker added.
According to Pimentel, an acquittal would mean that the official would not face the additional penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office.
The Senate formally convened as an impeachment court on Monday, May 18, for the trial of the Vice President.
The impeachment court also summoned Duterte, ordering her to file her answer to the complaints within a non-extendible 10-day period and to appear before the tribunal upon notice.
The impeachment complaint against Duterte includes allegations of culpable violation of the 1987 Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.
