TO MANY Filipinos, an impeachment case is often a sensationalized byproduct of political drama. The perceived spectacle of a high official’s fall from grace attracts commentary from Filipinos across all classes and political leanings. Despite the “popularity” of the concept, its legal procedure and consequences remain obscured in intrigue.
Several months after 215 members of the House of Representatives—over two-thirds of the legislature—passed a recommendation of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, discussions on the possible outcomes of an impeachment situation arose, as well as questions on who would fill the vice presidential post in the event of Duterte’s ousting.
However, with the Senate currently in recess until June 2, the trial is set to extend into the 20th Congress. Until then, a successful conviction against the Vice President is still in question, with chances dependent on the new congressional makeup.
According to Ateneo de Manila School of Law professor Atty. Eugene Kaw, impeachment proceedings begin and end with the legislative branch. Specifically, Section 3, Article 11 of the 1987 Constitution states that impeachment cases can be filed via a verified complaint by any citizen or Congressional representative, so long as the petition is endorsed by a member of the House.
Only after a formal hearing and vote of at least one-third of all House Representatives can an impeachment motion be successfully passed to the Senate for trial and judgment.
What would happen, then, when the vice president is impeached?
Such curiosity is rooted in the confusion surrounding lines of succession. While the line does consist of the President, Vice President, Senate President, and House Speaker, the latter two officials would only assume higher office when both the Presidential and Vice Presidential positions are vacant—serving an interim term until the vacancies are filled.
In the event of only a vice-presidential removal, the 1987 Constitution grants the president power to choose a vice president among both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Upon nomination, the prospective replacement vice president shall assume office after a separate majority vote from Congress.
Ateneo’s Political Science Department professor Mariel S. Quiogue, MA believes that there is a probability that the composition of the Senate and House of Representatives will change, allowing new political actors to enter the scene who can bring forth unpredictability. However, Quiogue emphasizes that “alliances will [still] play a picture in the scenario because that’s how politics work.”
“We recognize the importance of the impeachment because this is a necessary democratic tool. However, we have to ensure that the people’s well-being is what matters, and not the political interests of the people who can benefit if this continues,” says Quiogue.
One thing remains absolute. If the vice president is impeached, the persistence of nepotism and cronyism suggests that one of the president’s allies—or family members—would possibly fill the post.
