Robredo Makes Sense on Bongbong Marcos’ VP Take Over after her Impeachment

The presumptive Vice President is furious of the OSG’s participation in preparing the affidavit of the various cases against her. However, as the government’s lawyer, it is Sol. Gen. Jose Calida’s mandate to do so. Robredo accuses him of lawyering for Bongbong Marcos to oust her through an impeachment proceeding. There is actually a constitutional way to realize the temporary VP’s fear. Aside from having the Senate President and House Speaker as next in line, the President can always appoint his Vice President. All appointments must get a nod from both the Upper and Lower Houses of the Congress.

Impeachment after Sedition Conviction

Previously, Calida said that Robredo should be impeached for “betraying the trust of the people.” Meanwhile, Atty. Larry Gadon

Removal from Office

Constitutional law professor Dan Gatmaytan said the inciting to sedition complaint against Robredo can proceed because “immunity does not extend to the Vice President.” But Gatmaytan said Robredo cannot be removed from office through this complaint, because she can only be removed through impeachment. This is just like the case of former Supreme Court chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno via quo warranto.

Favoring Bongbong Marcos

In the ongoing electoral protest that Marcos filed against Robredo, Calida also plays a role in dropping the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and favoring instead Marcos’ position that the Presidential Electoral Tribunal must apply a 50% shading threshold. He said he is favoring Marcos’ position as “tribune of the people.” Calida campaigned for Marcos in the 2016 elections.

Presidential Succession Theory

Atty. Larry Gadon said an indictment against Robredo for sedition can be used as a ground for impeachment. Gadon is the lawyer of Peter Joemel Advincula alias Bikoy who is behind the “Totoong Narco List” video designed to malign the President’s family. To replace an impeached VP, President Du30 can simply include BBM in his cabinet. This is prior to a possible Vice Presidential appointment that is subject to the approval of Congress. Marcos’ electoral protest win just serves as an alternative should Sotto or Cayetano temporarily assumes the VP post until such time that Marcos qualifies for the post.