Senate should focus on VP impeach trial – lawmaker

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May 29, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — This was according to Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list who noted diversionary tactics being employed by senator-allies of Duterte, who comprise the majority in the chamber.

“Cases have been filed. They have started to file cases against certain individuals,” he said.

“To be honest, I would rather that the Ombudsman be allowed to continue with this investigation. The proper forum for this point, after all the investigations have been made, now belongs to the courts,” Acidre said in an interview on One PH’s program “Morning Matters” over TV-5.

“So let’s allow the ombudsman to do his job,” the chairman of the House committee on higher and technical education said, as he thumbed down suggestions of senators that they revive their flood control probe, apparently aimed at upsetting the schedule impeachment trial.

Acidre said the same standards being demanded in the impeachment case should also apply to the flood-control allegations: let the evidence lead, let the process work and avoid turning accountability into a shortcut driven by political timing.

“But I would rather that we allow the process to continue on the basis of evidence. The same discipline, and the same due process that we’re also giving to the Vice President in the impeachment trial,” Acidre stressed.

“Shortcuts will only serve as distractions. Shortcuts will only muddle the issue,” he added.

He said the ombudsman should be allowed to do its job while the impeachment trial should remain the Senate’s priority.

“I would rather that they focus their energies on the role as senator-judges. Because only the Senate has the power to either acquit or convict the Vice President in an impeachment trial,” Acidre said.