Accountability has merely been deferred, not denied.

4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan had this to say Friday, 25 on the heels of the Supreme Court's (SC) dismissal of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment complaint on technical grounds.

"The [SC]’s unanimous decision to halt the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte—on the basis of the constitutional one-year bar on multiple complaints—underscores the need to strengthen and clarify our impeachment procedures," Libanan, the lead House prosecutor in the impeachment case, said in a statement.

"As a member of the House of Representatives and the impeachment prosecution panel, I fully respect the Court’s ruling. It is important to underscore, however, that the decision rests on procedural grounds and does not touch on the merits of the allegations," he said.

"Accountability in public service has not been denied—only deferred," underscored the veteran congressman.

Libanan said that the development should prompt the House to revisit and reinforce its internal rules and timelines governing impeachment.

"Clearer procedural safeguards will help ensure that the constitutional mechanisms for accountability are not only respected, but also effective and resilient in the face of political challenges," he said.

"The high court has reminded us that even in politically sensitive matters, due process must prevail. As the Court aptly stated: 'There is a right way to do the right thing at the right time,'" he said.

"I take that reminder to heart, and reaffirm my commitment to upholding the Constitution, the rule of law, and the integrity of public institutions," Libanan said.

He subsequently vowed: "We will carefully study the full decision and determine the appropriate next steps in line with our legislative mandate and duty to the Filipino people."

Libanan served as House minority leader during the previous 19th Congress.