Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito on Saturday called on the government to prioritize addressing the country’s energy and economic concerns before focusing on any potential impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Under the 1987 Constitution, an impeachment complaint that secures sufficient votes in the House of Representatives is transmitted to the Senate, which then sits as an impeachment court.
Ejercito warned that the unfolding political process could shift attention away from urgent national issues.
“My personal opinion is sana nga kung puwedeng yung crisis mag-survive muna tayo. Nagwo-worry ako. Para itong pandemic. There is uncertainty,” Ejercito said in a radio interview.
He also raised concerns about the broader economic impact of instability on local industries and businesses.
“Ang concern ko huwag mamatay ang (mga) industriya,” he added.
While stressing accountability in the use of public funds, Ejercito said immediate national stability should take precedence over political confrontation.
“Ideally, gusto natin mapanagot kung sino may sala dahil pera ng taong-bayan yan. Pero I’m hoping mag-survive muna tayong lahat bago tayo magbangayan sa ibang bagay,” he said.
Despite his appeal for restraint, Ejercito supported the continuation of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into the alleged flood control scam, especially following the arrest of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co in Prague.
Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair Panfilo Lacson had earlier said hearings should resume only after the submission of a partial committee report.
However, Ejercito said Co’s detention may justify immediate resumption of proceedings.
“Kapag nandiyan na si Zaldy Co palagay ko kailangan i-resume ‘yung blue ribbon committee hearings kahit hindi pa nakukumpleto ang partial committee reports,” Ejercito said.
He also revealed that he has not yet signed the committee’s partial report, citing what he described as missing details, particularly the failure to identify alleged “congtractors” linked to government projects.
“Nakukulangan po ako sa [partial report]. Hindi natumbok ang mga congtractors. Baka ito na ang susi para malaman natin ang mga kasama niyang naglalako ng proyekto dyan,” he said.