Quezon 2nd district Rep. David "Jay-jay" Suarez (left), Vice President Sara Duterte (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

House Deputy Majority Leader Quezon 2nd district Rep. David "Jay-jay" Suarez defended the public’s filing of multiple impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, who he said has a lot of explaining to do.

In a statement Sunday, Jan. 12, Suarez opined that the three impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Duterte were a reflection of the public’s demand for greater accountability. 

“Dapat natin igalang ang damdamin ng publiko na nais na ituloy ang mga reklamong impeachment laban sa Pangalawang Pangulo,” Suarez said.

(We must respect the feelings of the Filipino people who wish pursue these impeachment complaints against the Vice President. )

Suarez gave these remarks following the results of a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey that showed four out of 10 Filipinos favored the impeachment.

The survey, conducted from Dec. 12 to 18, 2024, with 2,160 respondents nationwide, revealed that 41 percent of Filipinos supported the impeachment of the Vice President, while 35 percent were opposed. Some 19 percent remain undecided.

Suarez highlighted the public’s growing frustration with alleged governance lapses. 

“Dapat nang ipaliwanag ni VP Sara ang kontrobersyal na isyu tungkol kay Mary Grace Piattos at ang kahina-hinalang paggastos ng P612 milyon sa confidential funds. Hindi na maaaring balewalain ang mga ito,” he stated.

(VP Sara must explain the controversial issue on Mary Grace Piattos and the questionable spending of P612 million worth of confidential funds. These can't be ignored anymore.)

The deputy speaker stressed the need for a fair and thorough investigation once the impeachment process starts.

“This is an opportunity for the House of Representatives to show that no one is above the law. The people are watching, and they expect us to act with integrity,” he said.

They pointed out that addressing the allegations against Duterte is crucial in restoring public trust. 

“The people deserve answers. Let us not allow controversies like these to undermine our democracy,” Suarez said.