House members: ‘God save the PH’ from Duterte corruption

Metro Manila, Philippines - God save the Philippines from the corruption of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, House members said on Friday, Feb. 7.

Duterte faced the media for the first time after her impeachment, and her response to the development: God save the Philippines.

Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña and Makabayan bloc lawmakers - Gabriela Women’s Rep. Arlene Brosas, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, and Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel - said the vice president failed to show public accountability during her presser.

“If anyone should be saying ‘God save the Philippines,’ it’s the people suffering from her and her family’s corruption, incompetence, and impunity,” Cendaña said.

"God save the Philippines from corruption and EJKs (extrajudicial killings). God save the Philippines from Duterte 2.0," the Makabayan bloc stated.

In a joint statement, Taguig Rep. Pammy Zamora, Ako Bicol Rep. Jil Bongalon, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega, and Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun pointed out that the vice president’s “dismissive” remarks showed she is troubled with her impending impeachment trial.

“Her attempt at nonchalance cannot mask the reality of the situation. Her statements reflected an underlying fear, poorly disguised as indifference,” they said.

“The looming proceedings hang over her like the sword of Damocles—a constant reminder that her hold on power is precarious. No amount of carefully staged public statements can change the fact that she must answer to the evidence that will be presented,” they added.

With a majority vote, 215 House representatives filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte. The articles of impeachment have been transmitted to the Senate.

The lawmakers put graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes as impeachment grounds, citing Duterte’s supposed mismanagement of P612.5-million confidential funds, her bribery of education officials, and threat against the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

READ: Romualdez to Duterte: Explain confidential fund spending

Senate President Chiz Escudero said the upper chamber will convene as an impeachment court when Congress’ session resumes in June.

READ: June trial, special session: options in Duterte impeachment