SARA DUTERTE MAY STILL RESIGN AHEAD OF IMPEACHMENT TRIAL, LEGAL EXPERTS DIFFER ON EFFECTS

Vice President Sara Duterte may still choose to resign before the Senate formally begins her impeachment trial, according to constitutional lawyer Howard Calleja, who said resignation remains legally possible even after the Articles of Impeachment have been transmitted to the Senate.

Speaking during the Diocese of Baguio's "Talakayang Bayan para sa Katotohanan at Pananagutan," Calleja cited previous impeachment cases involving former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and former Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista, both of whom resigned before their Senate trials were completed.

However, lawyer Neri Colmenares, chairperson of Bayan Muna, argued that resigning would not necessarily erase the legal consequences of impeachment. He maintained that once the Articles of Impeachment have been transmitted to the Senate, issues such as perpetual disqualification from holding public office may still remain subject to legal interpretation.

Duterte is facing allegations that include the alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family, and the alleged bribery of Department of Education officials. She has denied the accusations.

Colmenares said the vice president would need to address questions surrounding the reported use of confidential funds, including the alleged disbursement of P125 million within 11 days, as well as other expenditures cited in the impeachment complaint.

The lawyers also discussed the number of Senate votes needed for conviction or acquittal. While legal opinions differ on the constitutional interpretation, both agreed that the outcome will ultimately depend on how senators vote once the impeachment court convenes.

The impeachment proceedings have also renewed public debate over the use of confidential funds by civilian government agencies and local government units, with some legal experts calling for stricter oversight and greater transparency in government spending.