The progressive Makabayan bloc has called on Filipinos to rally behind the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, framing the move as a fight for accountability and the recovery of public funds rather than partisan maneuvering.
In a joint statement, ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, and Kabataan Rep. Atty. Renee Louise Co stressed that impeachment is a constitutional process rooted in public interest, not “pamumulitika.”
“Ang pananagutan ni Sara Duterte ay nasa interes ng bayan. Ang pondong ninakaw at ginamit sa maling paraan ay maaaring ibalik at ilaan sa tunay na pangangailangan ng mamamayan—sa edukasyon, kalusugan, pabahay, at serbisyong panlipunan,” the bloc declared.
The bloc rejected claims that impeachment is divisive, arguing corruption drains resources from families, teachers, workers, and underserved communities.
“We reject the false framing that holding officials accountable during difficult times is divisive or distracting. On the contrary, corruption bleeds public resources precisely when they are most needed,” the bloc stated.
“Every peso stolen, misused, or hidden is a peso denied to hungry families, underpaid teachers, unemployed workers, and communities without adequate services. The fight against corruption is inseparable from the fight for the people’s welfare,” the progessive solons added.
They emphasized that their push for accountability applies to both the Marcos and Duterte administrations.
“Our call for accountability extends across political lines. Pinapanagot natin si Marcos, pinapanagot din natin si Duterte. Walang sinasanto, walang pinoprotektahan. Ang prinsipyo ay pareho: ang sinumang nagkasala at nagnakaw sa kaban ng bayan ay dapat managot,” they stressed.
The bloc cited evidence involving confidential funds, questionable expenditures, and lack of transparency, describing these as systemic abuses of public trust.
Citizens were urged to speak out, mobilize, and pressure Congress to act “with dispatch and fairness” in examining the evidence.
“Kailangang ipakita ng taumbayan na hindi na puwede ang dati. Hindi na puwedeng manatiling bulag at pipi habang nagpapakasasa sa kapangyarihan at yaman ang mga nasa puwesto.”# (ZIA LUNA)
