VP to benefit from any impeachment complaint – analyst

Metro Manila, Philippines – Any impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte would only benefit her politically, an analyst said.

In an interview with NewsWatch Plus, Jean Franco, a political science professor, said any move to oust Duterte from office may only “energize and galvanize” her political base given her popularity.

Duterte earlier claimed an impeachment plan against her has been “openly discussed” among members of the House of Representatives. She did not elaborate.

Based on a Pulse Asia survey in March, Duterte emerged as the top presidential choice if elections were held at the time, statistically tied with Sen. Raffy Tulfo. She also enjoyed a high approval rating in June.

“Whether we like it or not, even if there are grounds for impeachment, it is a political process and to the extent that it will be connected to the 2025 elections, then people will just especially the supporters of VP Sara Duterte would only think of it as political persecution,” Franco said.

The UP professor also said Duterte may be more vocal after she quit the Cabinet.

“I think it’s really one of the purposes why VP Sara had to resign from DepEd (Department of Education) because that also gives her the space to be bolder in her statements against the administration,” said Franco.

The vice president took a veiled swipe at the administration, criticizing its flood control projects, security measures, and other issues.

Rejecting impeachment rumors

Meanwhile, a ranking House member denied rumored impeachment plans against Duterte.

“Wala talaga akong naririnig. Walang nagpapakiramdaman. Walang nag-uusap. In fact when that impeachment issue was brought out, we’re not taking it seriously,” House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur First District Rep. Zia Adiong told NewsWatch Plus.

[Translation: I haven’t heard anything. No one’s talking about it. In fact when that impeachment issue was brought out, we were not taking it seriously.]

Adiong said impeaching a high-ranking official will be burdensome and counterproductive.

He added it is impossible to mount an impeachment plot with elections coming up next year.

“I would personally, assuming without conceding as for sake of argument, if there’s going to be, I think I would be the first one to say no…kasi (because) it’s too divisive, it creates more problems than solutions,” said Adiong.