MANILA, Philippines — Bukidnon Representative Jonathan Keith Flores admitted on Tuesday that he could not bring himself to vote against the impeachment articles filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the evidence presented before lawmakers during congressional hearings weighed heavily on his conscience.
Flores made the statement after facing questions over his decision to abstain from voting on House Resolution No. 989, which contained the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte. Despite abstaining, he was later chosen as part of the House prosecution panel that will present the case before the Impeachment Court.
According to Flores, his abstention was influenced partly by political considerations and consultations with constituents in Bukidnon. However, he clarified that he never doubted the seriousness of the allegations raised against the Vice President.
“I could not in good conscience vote against the Articles of Impeachment because we saw the evidence presented before the Committee on Justice,” Flores said, noting that Duterte failed to directly address or refute many of the accusations during the hearings.
Flores, who serves as vice chairperson of the House Committee on Justice, said his participation in previous impeachment proceedings and his familiarity with the case also influenced his decision to accept a role in the prosecution team.
The lawmaker emphasized that abstaining from the vote did not mean he opposed the impeachment case itself, adding that there have been previous instances where lawmakers who did not vote for impeachment articles were still selected as prosecutors.
The impeachment case against Duterte stems from allegations involving the misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and controversial public threats against top government officials.
Earlier this month, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to impeach Duterte, with 257 lawmakers supporting the move. The Senate has since convened as an impeachment court, with senators taking their oath as judges for the upcoming trial.
Written by Melrose Kyrene Aquino
Melrose Kyrene Aquino is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
