On the issue of impeachment, “the die is cast”, which means that a decision or action has been taken, and its consequences will unfold; there is no turning back, Wennie Sancho, secretary general of the Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) said in a press release.
If we apply this to the impending move to impeach Vice-President Sara Duterte, it suggests that once the impeachment process begins, there is no going back and the consequences of this action will inevitably play out, Sancho said.
In this context, filing an impeachment complaint would be a point of no return. The decision to move forward with impeachment would commit the lawmakers to seeing the process through, regardless of the outcome. “The die is cast” also roughly means “let the game begin”. An impeachment situation is certain to develop in a particular way, because decisions have been taken that cannot be changed, he said.
However, Sancho is concerned with the impact of impeachment on the poor and the oppressed. Impeachment proceedings might overshadow critical issues affecting the poor such as poverty reduction, access to healthcare system, education and labor rights. Political instability could further marginalize the already disadvantaged groups. Prolonged political turmoil might erode hopes for meaningful change.
On the other hand, on the issue of accountability, impeachment proceedings could promote transparency. The process might reinforce constitutional checks on executive power. The people will have a renewed engagement. The impeachment debate could galvanize civic participation and awareness, he said.
It is a basic principle of democracy that the people who are affected by a policy decision deserve to have a say as to what that decision will be. Politicians should stop telling the people not to take sides on the issue of impeachment because sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them, Sancho said.
Meanwhile, “let the game begin”. The legislators involved in the impeachment proceedings should strictly observe transparency by giving clear information about the process and substance of this political exercise. They should focus on policy implications rather than personal attacks and encourage diverse perspectives and stakeholders participation, he said.
“Let us never forget that the principle of public accountability sets down in unequivocal terms the mandate that all government officials and employees, whether they be the highest in the land or the lowliest public servants, shall at all times be answerable for their misconduct to the people from whom the government derives its powers,” Sancho said.
From the President of the Philippines to the lowliest janitor in public service, all are creatures of the law and are bound to obey the law. No one is above the law, the statement added.*
