Rep. Paolo Duterte questions motives behind impeachment complaint vs PBBM
By Ivy Tejano
MARCOS
DAVAO CITY – Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte questioned on Monday, Jan. 19, the motives behind an impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Duterte raised concerns about a possible conflict of interest among the parties involved and alleged political maneuvering to divert attention from unresolved corruption issues.
The impeachment complaint, which cited six grounds, was prepared by lawyer Andrei de Jesus. Three of the grounds were culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, and graft and corruption.
Duterte pointed out that the lawyer who prepared the complaint endorsed by Pusong Pinoy party-list Rep. Jett Nisay – an opposition lawmaker critical of the President – is the same lawyer representing Liza Marcos in a disbarment case against Atty. Glen Chong.
The Davao lawmaker described the situation as either a conflict of interest or coordinated political activity, noting the lawyer’s involvement in both opposition actions and legal defenses.
Duterte emphasized that under the Constitution, only one impeachment complaint may be filed against an impeachable official within a year.
He argued that filing weak or premature impeachment cases effectively shields officials from more substantial complaints by triggering the one-year ban once the case is dismissed.
“If this is what is being labeled as public interest, then it raises serious questions about private interests at play,” Duterte said.
Duterte cited the administration’s failure to investigate alleged corruption in flood control projects.
He said these have documented evidence, billions of pesos in spending, continued flooding, and alleged involvement of the President, his relatives, and congressional allies.
According to Duterte, documents, names, and spending patterns related to the flood control projects are already available, yet no formal investigation has been pursued.
The lawmaker accused the administration of engaging in diversionary tactics, including impeachment efforts, disbarment cases, and repeated press briefings.
Duterte said that genuine anti-corruption efforts should focus on cases with clear evidence and the alleged misuse of public funds, warning against what he described as political theatrics.
“The public knows the difference between justice and a scripted distraction,” Duterte said, adding that people are growing weary of political maneuvering.