Metro Manila, Philippines – The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino on Sunday denounced the impeachment moves against Sara Duterte, warning lawmakers who vote in favor of it of possible political consequences from the party.
The group underscored the challenges currently facing the country, including rising prices of goods, continuing corruption issues, and declining trust in government institutions, which it said were being neglected in favor of impeachment efforts.
“Nababatid namin ang mga ulat na may ilang organisadong sektor, kabilang ang ilang religious at civic groups, na nagsasaalang-alang ng pangmatagalang implikasyong pampulitika laban sa mga opisyal na susuporta sa impeachment,” it said in a statement.
[Translation: We are aware of reports that some organized sectors, including certain religious and civic groups, are considering the long-term political implications for officials who support the impeachment.]
“Kumpirmado man o hindi ang mga ulat na ito, malinaw ang prinsipyo: may kaakibat na pananagutang pampulitika ang bawat kilos ng isang halal na opisyal.”
[Translation: Whether these reports are confirmed or not, one principle remains clear: every action taken by an elected official carries political accountability.]
The party also laid out conditions for officials who would support the impeachment.
According to PDP-Laban, these officials cannot seek political refuge within the party, will not be allowed to transfer to the party, and cannot run under the PDP banner.
It added that, if necessary, the party would field and support strong candidates against them in their respective districts.
“Hindi ito pananakot, ito ay pananagutang pampulitika,” it said.
[Translation: This is not a threat. This is political accountability.]
A scheduled plenary vote at the House of Representatives on the impeachment will take place on Monday, May 11.
