Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua on Thursday said the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte should not be seen as a distraction amid rising fuel prices, but as a critical measure of accountability and leadership.
“Impeachment is no distraction, but a crucial preparation for the 2028 polls. Hindi puwedeng ipagpaliban ang pananagutan dahil lang may krisis. Crisis reveals leadership—kaya mahalaga ang accountability ngayon. The issue here is accountability… and the fitness to serve,” Chua said in a statement.
Duterte earlier announced her plan to run in the 2028 national elections, a move Chua said makes the impeachment process even more relevant. He stressed that such proceedings help ensure candidates face voters with credibility and transparency.
“The process ensures that candidates face the electorate with credibility and accountability, reinforcing the public’s ability to make informed choices. This crisis is a creation of one man… the President of the United States, showing leadership choices can trigger far-reaching economic disruptions,” he added, referring to the U.S.-Israel military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury.
The operation has led to retaliatory strikes from Iran against U.S. allies in the Middle East, contributing to a spike in global oil prices.
Two impeachment complaints filed against Duterte cite allegations of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other offenses.
These include the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, reported threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Representative Martin Romualdez, as well as claims of unexplained wealth.
The House Committee on Justice, where Chua serves as a member, has already found the complaints sufficient in form, substance, and grounds. Lawmakers are now deliberating whether probable cause exists to elevate the case to the Senate for a full impeachment trial.
Chua added that the process could ultimately benefit Duterte if she is cleared of the allegations.
“It would be better for her to run for President without baggage and any issue thrown at her,” he said.