Deputy Speaker Janette Garin on Monday rejected claims that the House of Representatives is prioritizing the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte over the needs of communities affected by heavy rains and flooding.
Garin said the House leadership has continued coordinating with government agencies on relief and recovery efforts while carrying out its constitutional responsibilities in the impeachment case.
“Unang-una, hindi naman totoong hindi inaatupag ang problema ng taumbayan,” Garin said during an online press briefing.
She said Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos have been coordinating daily with the Office of Civil Defense, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Health on the government’s response to communities affected by tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon, or habagat.
Garin also credited the DSWD for prepositioning relief supplies closer to communities before flooding occurred instead of keeping all supplies in regional offices.
She said House leaders are monitoring relief operations, particularly the DSWD’s distribution efforts, to identify gaps that may require congressional intervention or additional funding.
“Nakatutok lang doon ang liderato ng Kongreso para makita namin, papasok ang budget season, kung ano ba ‘yung kailangang i-augment at paano mas maging efficient,” she said.
Garin said lawmakers are also monitoring the availability of basic supplies in evacuation centers, including water containers and purification tablets, as part of their congressional oversight.
The monitoring, she said, could help determine where Congress can provide assistance and what programs may need additional resources during the upcoming budget deliberations.
At the same time, Garin defended the continuation of the impeachment proceedings against Duterte, saying Congress cannot suspend its constitutional responsibilities while responding to disasters.
“Hindi puwedeng mahinto ‘yung usapin ng accountability kasi it’s part of our constitutional duty,” she said.
The impeachment case against Duterte involves allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust linked to the alleged misuse, misappropriation and irregular disbursement of P612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
The House prosecution has presented evidence questioning the withdrawal, use and liquidation of the confidential funds.
Duterte’s defense is expected to challenge the allegations and present its own evidence as the proceedings continue.
Garin said congressional oversight over the use of public funds remains necessary even while government agencies are responding to flooding and other emergencies.
She maintained that addressing the immediate needs of affected communities and pursuing accountability are both part of Congress’ responsibilities.
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