VP Sara Duterte Challenges Business Groups on Economy
Vice President Sara Duterte firmly cautioned business leaders not to blame her upcoming impeachment trial for the country’s fragile economy and dwindling investor confidence. She emphasized that the “impeachment trial” is not the root cause of economic challenges.
“Kahit nandiyan o wala yung impeachment, wala talagang investor confidence dito sa ating bayan,” Duterte stated during a press briefing in Davao City. She highlighted that foreign direct investments have sharply declined, saying, “Kung nakikita niyo, bagsak ang foreign direct investment sa ating bayan kaya huwag nila ako gawing rason kung bakit pangit ang takbo ng ating ekonomiya ngayon sa ating bayan.”
The Vice President’s remarks came after the Makati Business Club urged the swift convening of the impeachment court. The group argued that upholding public accountability is crucial to maintaining investor trust and the rule of law. Meanwhile, the Management Association of the Philippines also expressed concern over the Senate’s decision to remand the impeachment articles back to the House, asserting that the trial should proceed to protect democratic integrity.
Impeachment Trial and Accountability Debate
Duterte questioned the notion of accountability linked to impeachment, explaining that the process only results in removal from office and disqualification from government service. “Walang penalties diyan, walang kaso diyan. Ang impeachment ay removal process ng isang impeachable officer. Kung gusto talaga nila ng accountability ay mag-file ng mga kaso diyan sa mga korte,” she said.
She further alleged that many lawmakers signed the impeachment complaint without reading the articles, some reportedly receiving money in exchange for their signatures. “In fact, madami sa kanila ang umamin na may kapalit iyong kanilang pagpirma doon sa articles of impeachment,” Duterte added.
The Vice President urged the public and business sectors to question the drafting and transmission of the impeachment documents. “So, if we are to talk about accountability by business groups, dapat kwestyonin din natin kung paano ginawa iyong articles of impeachment at paano pinasa iyong articles of impeachment papunta doon sa Senado,” she stressed.
Current Status of the Impeachment Trial
The impeachment trial has yet to begin. The Senate impeachment court voted 18-5 to send the articles back to the House of Representatives. Although the lower chamber reaffirmed that the complaint meets constitutional requirements through House Resolution No. 2346, it has not yet forwarded the resolution to the Senate pending clarifications.
Local sources noted that this ongoing political drama continues to stir debate about governance, accountability, and investor confidence in the Philippines.
For more news and updates on impeachment trial, visit Filipinokami.com.