Pam against impeach moves vs BBM, Sara

Local

CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro is not pleased with the impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, voicing concerns that the ongoing political disputes could harm the country's stability and tarnish its international reputation.

While she respects the democratic process, Baricuatro worries that these legal challenges may be doing more harm than good, potentially creating an atmosphere of uncertainty both at home and abroad.

"I really don’t like the idea of impeaching anybody at all, even dismissing officials," Baricuatro remarked, emphasizing her preference for political stability and unity over division.

She warned that the public spectacle surrounding these impeachment cases could destabilize the government.

"Maka destabilize siya ba sa government nga ga ingon ana bitaw nga impeaching the President, impeaching the Vice President," she said.

She explained how the continued focus on these matters could create the perception of a fractured political system.

The governor also pointed out that the high-profile nature of the impeachment complaints could potentially damage the country’s standing in the international community.

While Baricuatro acknowledged that impeachment is a part of the democratic process, she stressed that it should not become a tool for undermining the country's political and economic stability.

Her concerns come as two impeachment complaints against President Marcos have made their way through the House of Representatives.

On February 2, the House Justice Committee ruled that the complaints were "sufficient in form," clearing the way for further proceedings.

The first complaint, filed by lawyer Andre De Jesus, accuses the President of betrayal of public trust, citing his involvement in the surrender of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and his alleged failure to veto unconstitutional provisions in the national budget.

The second complaint, filed by the Makabayan Coalition, focuses on allegations of mismanagement in the handling of infrastructure projects, particularly those related to flood control, which the petition claims were ghost projects, substandard, and overpriced.

In response, Malacañang expressed its respect for the impeachment process but reiterated the President’s stance that the complaints are without merit.

Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro underscored that President Marcos is confident he has not committed any impeachable offense.

Simultaneously, Vice President Sara Duterte is facing her own impeachment complaint, filed by the Makabayan Coalition, which accuses her of betrayal of public trust.

The complaint alleges that Duterte abused her discretion over P612.5 million in confidential funds from December 2022 to the third quarter of 2023, using the money improperly and without proper oversight.

The petition further claims that the Vice President ordered the falsification of liquidation reports and fabricated documents to cover up the misuse of the funds, causing harm to the government and taxpayers.

Additionally, the complaint highlights the Vice President's alleged disregard for congressional oversight and her failure to comply with budgetary laws.

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) reportedly received P125 million in confidential funds for 2023, even though this amount was not included in the OVP’s original budget, approved under former Vice President Leni Robredo’s tenure.

Critics argue that this allocation, along with other dubious financial activities, undermines transparency and accountability in Duterte’s office.(MyTVCebu)