THUS far, there is no reason to think that any impeachment case against President-elect Rodrigo Duterte would flourish in the Senate which is mandated to serve as an impeachment court in the unlikely event the House of Representatives would pass articles of impeachment against him.
“President Duterte is a lawyer and a former prosecutor. I’m sure his actions will be within the bounds of law,” incoming Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said on the eve of Duterte’s inauguration as the 16th president of the Philippines.
“Changes are sure to come. Even in the Senate, we plan stricter rules,” Sotto said, dismissing claims that Duterte’s opponents would initiate impeachment proceedings against the newly elected president to pave the way for the succession of Vice President-elect Leonor Robredo.
Even Robredo’s Liberal Party colleague, freshman Senator-elect Sherwin Gatchalian, echoed Sotto’s view that Filipinos voted for change and Duterte appears to be intent on fulfilling the promise he made to his voters.
“By looking at President Digong’s public service track record, he is a man of action. I think things will move fast especially in fighting crime,” said Gatchalian.
“I believe his experience as a mayor will play a very big role in giving care and concern to the plight of the Filipino people,” Gatchalian added.
In describing the Aquino administration, Gatchalian noted the outgoing President tried his best to fight corruption and change the culture of impunity in our country.
In my opinion’ Gatchalian said Aquino was successful in showing to the public that honesty is still possible in government and started with him.
“However, he neglected the simple but important thiings to the ordinary Filipino. Simple things such as the MRT because a symbol of apathy towards the people. I give him 6 out of 10,” said Gatchalian.
Senator JV Ejercito also said he fully supports Duterte’s administration because of his commitment to make the modern railway system for the country a reality.
He said this will definitely solve so many problems and help our economy immensely and hoped Duterte’s would be able to address the country’s infrastructure weaknesses.
“Change is coming under Duterte,” said Ejercito who gave the Aquino administration a grade of 8.5 in terms of governance. “But in terms of infrastructure development, I give his administration a low mark of 4.”
Sotto could not rate Aquino, but raised doubts on his sincerity and performance and stressed that many people appointed by Aquino were “disappointments” and “not the straight path.”