Metro Manila, Philippines – House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong rejected claims that lawmakers were supposedly offered projects and financial incentives in exchange for supporting the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, calling the accusations part of a “scare tactic” meant to undermine the process.
In an interview on The Newsmaker, Adiong questioned the accusation of bribery among impeachment supporters.
“Lahat na ba ng tao na hindi nagre-re-echo, hindi pinaparrot yung kanilang narrative, ay bayaran na?” Adiong said.
[Translation: Is everyone who does not echo or parrot their narrative already being labeled as paid off?]
The House leader reacted to accusations of Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte that some lawmakers supposedly benefitted from infrastructure projects, monthly allowances, and upfront funds in exchange for supporting the impeachment complaint against the vice president.
Adiong said the allegations were an attempt to discredit the impeachment process and lawmakers backing it.
“Itong mga scare tactics kasi this is actually countering the very principle of upholding the powerful to account,” he said.
[Translation: These scare tactics are actually going against the principle of holding the powerful accountable.]
He said that the House had established probable cause during the hearings of the committee on justice.
“Pag babaliwalain mo lang yung mga ebidensya, that is actually reinforcing the culture of impunity,” Adiong said.
[Translation: If you simply ignore the evidence, that would only reinforce a culture of impunity.]
Adiong also cited public opinion surveys indicating support for the impeachment proceedings.
“Hindi lang naman House of Representatives who are supportive of the impeachment, even general public,” he said, citing survey results showing majority support for transmitting the case to the Senate.
[Translation: It’s not only the House of Representatives supporting the impeachment, even the general public.]
The House official added that critics of the impeachment have focused more on attacking personalities instead of addressing the allegations directly.
“Ang mas maganda sana is to provide counter evidences,” Adiong said.
[Translation: What would be better is to provide counter-evidence.]
The impeachment complaint against Duterte includes allegations involving confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other officials.
Adiong said lawmakers supporting the impeachment believe the evidence warrants a Senate trial.
“Very clear sa’yo kung saan position ka, susuporta,” he said.
[Translation: It becomes very clear which side you should support.]
The House voted to impeach Duterte with 255 votes, 26 against and nine abstentions.
