Pro-Duterte groups hit impeachment complaint

THE Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute (ACPSSI) think tank warned on Monday that the filing of an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte could exacerbate political divisions, provoke discontent within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and distract the government from addressing pressing economic challenges. In a statement, ACPSSI President Herman Tiu Laurel expressed concern that the "political drama" would undermine efforts to achieve economic recovery and development in the Philippines, which is still grappling with post-pandemic challenges. Laurel added that the impeachment drive could have long-term repercussions for the Marcos administration and its allies in the legislature, suggesting a potential backlash from the public and other political factions. The impeachment complaint, filed on Dec. 1 by the Akbayan party-list and endorsed by Rep. Perci Cendaña, accuses Duterte of various violations. Laurel, whose organization has shown a consistent pro-Beijing bent, dismissed the charges as "fabrications" and pointed to a coalition of figures he alleged are proxies for United States interests. He framed the move as part of a broader campaign orchestrated by the United States to undermine Philippine sovereignty and destabilize its leadership. The impeachment complaint comes amidst heightened political tension in the Philippines. The complaint accuses Duterte of undermining democratic processes and alleged misconduct in office, although specific details have not been disclosed. Critics argue that the filing is politically motivated. In his statement, Laurel accused the US of orchestrating a campaign against Sara Duterte to weaken the "independent and sovereign Philippines" she represents. He alleged that the US is leveraging domestic allies, including prominent opposition figures, to destabilize the government and facilitate its strategic interests in the region. The Sentrong Alyansa ng mga Mamamayan para sa Bayan (Sambayanan), a group of former communist rebels who have been reintegrated into the mainstream, also condemned the impeachment complaint, describing it as a "frivolous political conspiracy" orchestrated by opportunistic groups in coordination with anti-Duterte factions and alleged communist elements. The group is a supporter of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac), of which Duterte was vice chairman until she resigned in June. The group's secretary general said the complaint was part of a broader "political demolition job" by people aligned with the "morally bankrupt and corrupt" Marcos-Romualdez political faction. However, Akbayan, which filed the complaint, is not a Marcos ally and is not politically aligned with the administration. Also on Monday, Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon expressed confidence that the House of Representatives would not give due course to the impeachment complaint filed by civil society organizations. "The impeachment complaint filed by a civil society organization, I think and I hope it will not be given due course," he said. "The House can merely ignore it," he said, so that it would not be used to bar another complaint due to the once-a-year limit on impeachment. Gadon said the "real impeachment" against the vice president must take place in the next Congress.