The Commission of Elections (COMELEC) confirms that a President can nominate from the Senate or House of Representatives just in case the position for Vice President becomes vacant. 

“Nakalagay po sa probisyon ng Article 7 of the constitution dahil sa impeachment ang pinag-uusapan, in case of vacancy sa posisyon na halimbawa po ay Vice President. Halimbawa, in case of vacancy, ang papalit po diyan ay pipili ang Pangulo ng isa sa mga miyembro ng senado o mababang kapulungan,” according to COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia.

This concern is linked to the question – if Vice President Sara Duterte is proven to have committed a violation, who will replace the position?

The President’s choice will be voted by the Senate and House members, according to COMELEC Chairman Garcia. Whoever secures the majority votes from the separate decisions of both chambers will assume the office.

Aside from this process, a special election is also possible. However, Garcia noted that this would require a huge amount of fund.

“Kapag nagpatawag ka nationwide kahit isang position, 19 billion po iyon na gastos,” he said

Recently, the OVP has confirmed they received the summons from the Senate impeachment court against Vice President Sara Duterte.

With reports from JP Nuñez