House lawmakers have called on Vice President Sara Duterte to stop what they describe as “diversionary tactics” and instead focus on addressing the impeachment case against her. The statement comes as the Senate prepares for Duterte’s impeachment trial, following a complaint filed by the House of Representatives.
Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun criticized the Duterte camp for allegedly attempting to discredit Speaker Martin Romualdez, who led the House in approving the impeachment. He said that instead of shifting the narrative, Duterte should directly address the allegations against her.
“This is nothing more than a desperate move to discredit the impeachment process,” Khonghun said. “The real battle here is about truth and justice, not political maneuvering. These tactics only serve to obscure the real issue at hand.”
House Lawmakers Stand Firm on Impeachment Case
Duterte’s impeachment stems from allegations of corruption involving confidential funds. The case has garnered significant bipartisan support, with at least 215 lawmakers endorsing the complaint. The number has since grown to 240, representing nearly 80 percent of the 306-member House of Representatives.
La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega warned Duterte’s camp against using political distractions to sidetrack the impeachment proceedings. He said these tactics will not deter lawmakers from pursuing accountability.
“The Duterte camp should not use Speaker Romualdez as a scapegoat to evade questions about billions of confidential funds lost,” Ortega said. “Their diversionary tactics have no basis, and the objective is clear—they want to shift public attention away from the impeachment trial.”
Manila Rep. Joel Chua, who chairs the House committee on good government and public accountability, said lawmakers are prepared to face Duterte in the Senate trial.
“We’ll see each other at the Senate Impeachment Court. We’re ready for her and her antics,” Chua said.
Senate Urged to Resist Political Influence
House members also warned against attempts to derail the impeachment process through political maneuvering. Ortega emphasized that the Senate must remain independent and not allow external influences to affect the trial’s outcome.
“If they think we will get distracted by these tactics, they are mistaken,” Ortega said. “We will pursue the truth with even greater determination.”
Lawmakers underscored the importance of the Senate’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability. They urged senators to focus on the evidence presented and not be swayed by politically motivated narratives.
“The Senate must not be swayed by political distractions. The people demand transparency and accountability, and they will not be fooled by these diversionary tactics,” Ortega added.
Duterte has yet to publicly address the House lawmakers’ latest remarks, but her impeachment trial is expected to be a politically charged battle in the coming weeks.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.