Frasco on backing Duterte impeachment: 'I didn't want to risk our projects and programs'

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CEBU Fifth District Representative and Deputy Speaker Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco broke his silence on his decision to support the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.

He confirmed that he was among the more than 240 congressmen, about 80 percent of the House of Representatives, who voted to transmit the complaint to the Senate.

In a recorded video in one of his engagements in his district, Frasco explained that serious allegations against Duterte, including the alleged misuse of confidential funds and her remarks regarding an assassination threat against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and First Lady Marie Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos, warranted a formal inquiry.

He said the Senate would determine whether Duterte was guilty of the allegations. He stressed the importance of due process rather than engaging in debates through media.

Frasco outlined two key reasons for signing the impeachment complaint. First, he said he wanted to protect the welfare of his constituents.

He explained that he joined the majority because he did not want their programs and projects, such as scholarships, to be put at risk. He revealed that over 16,000 students benefit from the district's scholarship program.

“Tungod ninyo mao ng nikuyog ko sa majority. Dili ko gusto nga atong mga programa, atong mga proyekto marisgo, sama sa atong scholarship,” Frasco said.

( Because of you, I joined the majority. I don’t want our programs and projects to be at risk, such as our scholarship)

Frasco said he was worried that opposing the majority could jeopardize funding for various initiatives, including support for persons with disabilities, fisherfolk, solo parents, students, drivers, and vendors, as well as infrastructure projects like the airport terminal in the Camotes Islands.

Frasco warned that failing to align with the majority could lead to delays in requests, programs, and projects, possibly resulting in a "zero" budget for his office.

He expressed concern that being left without a budget would be detrimental to scholars and other beneficiaries relying on government assistance.

His second reason stemmed from a personal conflict with Duterte. Frasco recalled that in July 2023, his wife, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, faced a backlash over the controversial "Love the Philippines" campaign.

He claimed that Duterte and her allies played a role in amplifying the criticism. He asserted that they discovered who was behind the online attacks and that those responsible were Duterte’s allies.

“Nahibaw-an namo kinsay nang-bash ato nga issue, ang kauban ra atoang VP Sara. Gihangyo gyud namo si VP Sara, didto gyud ko ani kuyog,” he said.

(We found out who bashed that issue, these were her supporters. We really asked VP Sara, and I was really there with them)

According to Frasco, his wife personally sought Duterte’s help in asking their allies to tone down social media attacks, but Duterte refused, saying she had no control over online personalities.

Frasco also revealed that his wife also asked Duterte for a statement of support, similar to those given by the President, senators, and mayors, but Duterte declined.

Frasco added that a month after the controversy, Duterte visited his district without notifying or inviting him and met with his political opponent instead or the Durano political clan of Danao City of the same Congressional District.

She returned a year later and did the same, this time in Carmen town. He questioned what would happen to their scholars and projects if he ended up with no budget, emphasizing that those who did not side with the majority were not prioritized.

Eight other Cebuano lawmakers joined Frasco in signing the impeachment complaint, including Cebu City 2nd District Representative Eduardo Rama, Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Representative Cindi Chan, Mandaue City Lone District Representative Lolypop Ouano-Dizon, Cebu Province 1st District Representative Rhea Mae Gullas, 2nd District Representative Edsel Galeos, 4th District Representative Janice Salimbangon, 6th District Congresswoman Daphne Lagon, and 7th District Congressman Peter John Calderon.

Meanwhile, gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro called on Cebuanos to hold the nine Cebu representatives accountable for supporting the impeachment.

She accused them of betraying public trust and disregarding the will of their constituents. She urged the public to remember these congressmen and not forget their irresponsible actions against the people.

Baricuatro, a known Duterte ally challenging incumbent Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, criticized the lawmakers for pushing for impeachment despite Duterte’s strong electoral mandate.

She claimed that they destroyed the people's unity by aggressively pushing for the impeachment against Duterte.

In the 2022 elections, Duterte received 1,772,999 votes in Cebu province, outpacing Marcos, who garnered 1,515,812 votes. In Cebu City, Duterte secured 360,42.

(MyTVCebu)