ON Wednesday, a House leader refuted accusations that impeachment support stems from self-preservation motives. He challenged his colleague to identify lawmakers he believes are acting in bad faith and emphasized that accountability processes can coexist.
House Committee on Public Accounts Chair Terry L. Ridon of Bicol Saro Party-list said accusations by Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco that some congressmen backed the impeachment complaint to evade scrutiny in separate investigations should be substantiated.
“Unang-una sa lahat dapat pangalanan niya kung sino-sino ‘yung sinasabi niyang mga kongresista na mag-impeach on the basis lang para makalusot po sa pagpapanagot sa flood control proceedings or infrastructure corruption. Pangalanan niya kasi para maraming mga tao doon,” Ridon responded to a reporter’s question during a press conference.
He emphasized that impeachment proceedings and probes into infrastructure and flood control projects need not be pitted against each other.
“Pangalawa, tingin ko puede naman po tumakbo ‘yung accountability mechanisms on infrastructure flood control at impeachment proceedings na magkasabay, at nangyayari na ho iyon. Meron tumatakbong proceedings sa level ng Ombudsman at Sandiganbayan ngayon. Samantalang dito tumatakbo ang accountability mechanisms to an impeachment against the VP,” he added.
Ridon said it was unfair to cast doubt on lawmakers without evidence, noting that no document has identified those allegedly acting out of self-interest.
“So tingin ko hindi dapat pagbanggain ni Cong. Tiangco ito and ultimately dapat magpangalan siya dahil unfair ito doon sa mga — tingin ko hindi naman napangalanan sa kahit anong dokumento na nag-support na impeachment. Yan ba ang mga tao ang binabanggit ni Cong. Tiangco is supportive of the impeachment, but only because they want to go scot-free during a Sara Duterte presidency. That I think would be very unfair to them,” he said.
Ridon also dismissed exaggerated claims tied to the issue, saying accountability questions should instead be directed to Vice President Sara Duterte, particularly as she has signaled plans to run for president in 2028.
“First of all, 1 million percent is something that does not exist in math. But secondly, I think that question is best addressed by the Vice President herself in terms of accountability. Most particularly because she has pronounced herself to be running for 2028,” he said.
“So itong questions and accountability mechanisms is something that should be squarely asked of her kasi that is something that should be a pillar of any presidential candidate, hindi ba?” he added.
He stressed that issues raised in the impeachment complaints — including the use of confidential funds, alleged threats against the President, and questions on wealth disclosures — remain relevant regardless of future political plans.
“I think that is irrelevant to the question of accountability kasi even if we discussed a Sara Duterte presidency in 2028, the fact remains that an impeachable officer needs to explain questions relating to confidential funds, questions relating to death against the President, and questions relating to unexplained wealth and the SALN. Actually, these are very relevant questions for any person who would like to seek the presidency in 2028. So I think these should be a matter that should be resolved today, and not to be resolved at any future time,” Ridon said.
