MEMBERS of the House prosecution panel on Friday rejected Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s suggestion that government officials have been consumed by politics, saying the government continues to address the country’s economic and public service priorities even as the impeachment trial proceeds before the Senate.
The prosecutors were responding to Duterte’s call for government officials to stop advancing their own political interests and instead focus on maintaining peace and order, improving the economy and delivering better services to the Filipino people.
Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said it was inaccurate to portray the government as being preoccupied with politics, pointing to ongoing efforts to address the country’s economic concerns.
“Hindi rin naman po ito totoo,” Ridon said during a press briefing.
He said the government continues to implement programs aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos, including initiatives to increase wages in various regions and ensure that economic growth benefits more households.
“Marami pong iba’t ibang interventions na ginagawa ng pamahalaan para tutukan ang iba’t ibang mga pang-ekonomikong usapin na kinakaharap ng ating bayan,” Ridon said.
Ridon said the government continues to pursue initiatives to increase wages across various regions and ensure that the benefits of the country’s transition to upper middle-income status are felt by ordinary Filipinos.
“Hindi po totoo na consumed by politics lang po ‘yung ginagawa ng ating pamahalaan. May aktwal na pagtugon doon sa mga batayang usapin at tingin ko nakatutok po yung pamahalaan sa mga bagay po na ito,” Ridon added.
Manila Rep. Joel Chua, meanwhile, said Filipinos have also been waiting for the Vice President to directly answer the issues raised against her instead of accusing the government of engaging in politics.
“Matagal nang nag-aantay ang ating mga kababayan na maging mas maayos itong bansa. Matagal na rin pong nag-aantay ang ating mga kababayan na sagutin niya ang issue kung sino si Mary Grace Piattos,” Chua said.
“Matagal na rin pong nag-aantay ang ating mga kababayan na siya po ay humarap at sagutin niya lahat ng mga alegasyon sa kanya sa impeachment,” he added.
Chua also challenged Duterte to explain the P6.7-billion transaction cited in records from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
“Matagal na rin pong nag-aantay ang ating mga kababayan sa sagot niya kung saan po nanggaling ‘yung transaction na nagkakahalaga ng P6.7 billion na inilabas po ng AMLC. ’Yan po muna ang sagutin niya bago po siya magsabi na kami ay namumulitika lamang,” Chua said.
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