'Tinatakot?': Imee claims lawmakers being coerced to support VP Sara impeachment case
By Dhel Nazario
At A Glance
- Senator Imee Marcos, on Monday, May 4, has claimed that lawmakers are receiving threats to compel them to support the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senator Imee Marcos, on Monday, May 4, has claimed that lawmakers are receiving threats to compel them to support the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senator Imee Marcos (From Senator Imee Marcos' Facebook page)
Marcos said that previously, members of Congress have been warned that their projects could be delayed or withheld; but now, those who refuse to align themselves the push for impeachment may face complaints before the Ombudsman.
"Di ba sinabi ko three little letters kasi ang ginagawa nila nung una 'FLR'—for later release—ibig sabihin itetengga ang kanilang mga project (Didn’t I say before three little letters? What they were doing before was ‘FLR’—for later release—which means their projects would be put on hold)," she said.
She raised concerns over whether such actions amount to intimidation for the purpose of influencing votes on the impeachment complaint against the Vice President.
"Ngayon, nasanay na sa hirap—at hirap pa rin: walang project, walang lumalabas, ngayon yung three letters daw—OMB—kakasuhan daw kayo, ano ito, nananakot? (Now, they’ve gotten used to hardship—and it’s still the same: no projects, nothing being released. Now they’re saying three letters again—OMB—they’ll file cases against you. What is this, intimidation?)" she added.
Marcos also said there was no doubt that the impeachment case will reach the Senate, as she noted that securing the required one-third vote in the House of Representatives would not be difficult.
According to Marcos, the Senate minority bloc is already anticipating the case.
She said a meeting had been planned earlier to discuss the matter, but several members were unable to attend.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said the minority would convene again this week to deliberate on preparations for a possible impeachment trial.