By the Weekly Sillimanian
The impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte was a catalyst that encouraged electing leaders who can ensure she stays in office. This so-called strategy is a testament to the crumbing democracy of the Philippines.
On Feb. 5, the House of Representatives moved to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte on the grounds of Culpable Violation of the Constitution, Betrayal of Public Trust, Graft and Corruption, and other high crimes.
Two hundred fifteen out of the 306 members of the House signed the complaint, exceeding one-third of the entire membership andallowing the bill to be passed to the Senate. This action caused uproar from Duterte’s supporters, labelling members of the House as corrupt politicians who are self-serving and politically-motivated in participating in the impeachment.
In response to this, supporters of Duterte called upon voters to elect certain politicians—evidently allies who will fight for the retention of Duterte’s position and vote against her conviction.
With the midterm elections nearing, the heat in Philippine politics is more amplified, with supporters of the now-divided UniTeam of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Duterte in constant competition to be in each other’s throats.
The endorsement of politicians whose purpose is to simply return the vice president to office is a dangerous call to action. When leaders are voted into a seat of the governing table in the country, they are expected to uphold the value of democracy—of serving the people—above their own interests.
Duterte’s impeachment is not a political persecution nor a baseless case. Her long list of controversies, threats, and misuse of funds are contributing factors that led to the decision of the House to impeach the vice president.
Campaigning for politicians with the goal to keep Duterte in office is a promotion of corruption. The legislative branch of the government is responsible for making and passing laws. If mere lackeys are voted into this position, no justice will be served when leaders, themselves, break the law.
The Weekly Sillimanian (tWS), as a publication that promotes progress and advocates the principle of truth, urges politicians to remain true to the democratic system of the country and place the Filipino citizens before their personal agendas.
We also advocate for Filipinos to be responsible in voting leaders who will shape the welfare of the country. At the same time, we encourage fellow Filipinos to become politically literate to understand the depth of actions and procedures taken in response to the proficiency of elected leaders. TWS stands firm in rejecting corruption and holding government leaders accountable for their actions.
