It's about accountability

SKETCHES

- ANA MARIE PAMINTUAN

The provisions on impeachment in the Constitution are not in Article VI on the legislative branch, but under a separate Article XI, on the "accountability of public officers." This should indicate the importance attached to accountability by the framers of the Charter.

Section 3(4) of Article XI states: "In case the verified complaint or resolution of impeachment is filed by at least one-third of all the Members of the House, the same shall constitute the Articles of Impeachment, and trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed."

It's a reflection of our level of literacy that we have redefined "forthwith." Maybe the framers of the Constitution should have included a definition of terms in Article XI.

Section 1 of Article XI states: "Public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives."

The last part alone, on "modest lives," if applied, could decimate the entire national leadership. One look at the parking areas of the Senate and the House of Representatives would easily prove this. And we're not yet even looking at the lawmakers' pricey clothing, designer bags and shoes.

Accountability should be foremost in our minds as we watch the senators sparring over the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.