LAWMAKERS on Wednesday urged Vice President Sara Duterte to identify the individuals allegedly spreading rumors about an impeachment effort against her, following her recent claims that the information came from her “close friends” within the House of Representatives.
In a press conference, at least four House members reiterated that there has been no discussion of impeachment within the chamber as they underscored the importance of focusing on legislative work rather than baseless rumors.
House Assistant Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V rejected the allegations, pointing out that House had already addressed the matter and confirmed there was no basis for such claims.
“Pero siguro, i-identify nalang niya ‘yung mga friends niya na nagsabi para ‘yung mga friends niya ang magsabi kung tama po ‘yung mga nakukuha nilang impormasyon mula sa grapevine. Dito po sa House of Representatives, wala namang napag-uusapan,” Ortega said.
Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin noted that despite spending significant time in Congress, she has not heard any talk of impeachment.
She pointed out that in public service, some people seek attention through unfounded actions, and urged the Vice President to be cautious about such baseless reports.
“Napakasayang nung oras na napupunta sa usaping wala namang kwenta at wala naman talagang nangyayari. Ang daming trabaho dito sa Kongreso, at lahat busy sa pag-scrutinize at pagpapasa ng budget,” Garin said.
“Kung sino man ‘yung nag-iintriga, eh sana sabihin kung sino sila para malaman natin kung ito ba ay may vested interest, o tila nililinlang ang bise presidente, o ito ba ay gusto lang ng fireworks dahil walang magawa sa buhay,” she added.
1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez said that he and his colleagues have not heard any talk of impeachment within the House.
He noted that House members have been focused on budget deliberations, various committee hearings, and coordination with government agencies in connection with the much-praised Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF).
“Napaka-busy po ng mga congressman natin dito. So, I’m not sure po kung saan nanggagaling ‘yung allegation of impeachment,” Gutierrez said.
“If they could perhaps, katulad ni Cong. Ortega, if they could substantiate the claims and say, sino bang nagsasabi nito and point at certain persons, then perhaps that would be more helpful for us to really thresh out. But as far as we’re concerned, parang wala naman po,” he added.
Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong called for an end to the impeachment rumors.
Adiong highlighted that the House, under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, is focused on advancing the nation’s interests and promoting unity.
“Kami po dito sa House of Representatives…every day po, every session week, every committee hearings, public hearings, nandirito po kami. And I personally can categorically say na wala pong usapin ‘non,” Adiong said.
He warned that such baseless speculations only serve to create political disunity and are counterproductive to the positive work being done by Congress.
