Lawmaker to Imee Marcos: Impeachment part of democratic process

September 9, 2024 | 5:40pm

MANILA, Philippines — An opposition lawmaker on Monday, September 9 rejected Sen. Imee Marcos’ claim that an impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte would be “playing with democracy.”

Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers), who is House deputy minority leader, argued that impeachment is “an essential part of our democratic processes to keep leaders accountable to the people.”

Marcos, the president’s sister, warned members of Congress earlier on Monday that filing an impeachment case against Duterte would mean going against the desire of 32 million voters who voted for her in the 2022 national and local elections. 

“These actions are a disrespect to the will of the people and the outcome of the election. It is an affront to the voice and rights of the public in choosing their leader.,” she said in a statement.

Castro had openly criticized Duterte for inefficient use of her office’s P125 million confidential fund, citing the Commission on Audit’s notice of disallowance that found about 60% of the funds were improperly spent. The minority lawmaker said on August 30 that this is an “impeachable offense.” 

‘Impeachment’ suggestions

At the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) budget hearing on August 27, Duterte said there have been discussions among House members about removing her from office, a claim that House leaders denied. 

Believing this, the vice president spent most of her time during budget deliberations indirectly answering questions from lawmakers. She repeatedly expressed her desire to “forego the opportunity to defend” the OVP’s budget.

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Castro added that the senator’s warning to members of Congress who might file an impeachment case against Duterte is a “direct attack on democracy.”

The impeachment process starts with a complaint against an elected official, to be filed by any member of the chamber or by a citizen, that is endorsed by a House member. At least one-third of all House members must approve the complaint to forward it to the Senate for trial. 

The budget deliberations for the OVP will resume on Tuesday, September 10. The agency has proposed a budget of P2.037 billion for 2025, an 8.05% increase from the 2024 budget. Unlike previous fiscal years, the agency did not request confidential funds for 2025.