Following the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte in the House of Representatives, several of her political allies have come forward to oppose the move.
“The sinister maneuvering of certain lawmakers, led by Rep. Garin, to hastily collect signatures and push for the immediate approval and transmittal of this baseless impeachment case is a clear act of political persecution,” Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte said in a statement.
“This is not just about VP Sara Duterte—this is about the will of the Filipino people. The growing discontent and frustration across the country will not be contained for long. Mark my words: this reckless abuse of power will not end in their favor,” he added.
For his part, Davao Del Norte First District Rep. and former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez told Manila Standard in a text message that the move was very dangerous and its implications as “chaos.”
Former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo similarly criticized the House for ignoring President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s position against engaging in such a “non-productive political endeavor.”
“These lawmakers obviously have not heeded the overwhelming voice of the people opposing the impeachment,” Panelo said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said his role is to remain neutral and impartial ahead of the impeachment’s transmittal to the Senate.
“We know that this impeachment is a political exercise. As a sitting judge, I have to maintain my political neutrality. I should be apolitical at this time once I wear my robe,” Dela Rosa said.
“They are so unfair, aren’t they? They are making us hostages here to serve as judges in the impeachment court while they go off campaigning,” he added.
