Before ending their respective terms in the House of Representatives this coming week, members of the Makabayan bloc have appealed to Filipinos from all walks of life ro support calls for the commencement of Vice President Sara Duterte's Senate impeachment trial.
Making this appeal in a joint statement on Saturday, June 7 were ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel.
The militant trio's last day in the House in on Wednesday, June 11.
"The Filipino people have witnessed enough of VP Duterte's dangerous rhetoric, abuse of public funds, and blatant disregard for democratic institutions. Her misuse of confidential funds, represent clear violations of her oath of office and an impeachable offense under the Constitution," they said.
"We call on our colleagues in the Senate to prioritize the people's welfare over political considerations and allow the impeachment process to proceed according to constitutional mandates," they added.
These remarks were made amid the perceived reluctance--if not downright refusal--of some senators to hold the Vice President's constitutionally-mandated impeachment trial.
"The time for accountability has come. We cannot allow public officials to waste taxpayers' money with impunity," said Castro.
"Ang mga Pilipino ay nararapat na makakita ng hustisya laban sa mga opisyal na sumusuway sa batas at nagwawaldas ng pondo ng bayan (The Filipino people deserve to see justice against officials who violate the law and squander public funds)."
For her part, Brosas emphasized the importance of women's voices in this struggle: "As women leaders, we condemn VP Duterte's violent language and her betrayal of public trust. Kailangan nating ipakita na dapat managot ang may kasalanan, kahit sino pa yan."
(We must show that those responsible must be held accountable, no matter who they are.)
Manuel reckoned that his sector, the youth and students, "have always been at the forefront of holding corrupt officials accountable".
"Hindi natin dapat hayaang maging normal ang mga banta ng karahasan at korupsyon sa gobyerno (We must not allow threats of violence and corruption in government to become normal)," he said.
Makabayan says it is encouraging all sectors - workers, farmers, fisherfolk, teachers, students, women, urban poor, professionals, and concerned citizens - to join rallies, forums, and other peaceful activities calling for Duterte's impeachment trial to proceed without delay.
"The Constitution provides clear mechanisms for removing public officials who violate their oath. It is our duty as representatives of the people to ensure these mechanisms work for justice and accountability."