IN politics, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests. – Unknown
Philippine lawmakers finally gathered enough signatures to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte—on the last possible day before election break. Not last week. Not last month. Not when there was time for proper deliberation. Instead, they crammed it into the final hours, as if impeachment were an afterthought rather than a serious constitutional process.
If this were truly about accountability, why the delay? Why wait until the last moment, when serious discussions can no longer take place? The timing alone exposes this for what it is—a political maneuver, not a pursuit of justice. By launching the impeachment right before the midterm elections, lawmakers are ensuring that the national conversation shifts away from real policy issues and toward the Marcos-Duterte power struggle.
And let’s not pretend this doesn’t benefit President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. more than anyone. While his allies do the dirty work, he can maintain an image of neutrality, watching from the sidelines as a potential 2028 rival gets politically weakened. It’s a classic power play—eliminate a threat without getting your hands dirty.
The Pros and Cons of Impeachment
Like any major political move, the impeachment of Vice President Duterte comes with both potential benefits and significant risks. While some see it as a step toward accountability, others view it as a destabilizing distraction.
The Case for Impeachment
For supporters, impeachment is about upholding the rule of law. If Duterte has committed serious violations, this process ensures that public officials are held accountable, reinforcing the principle that no one is above the law. This could help restore trust in the government, especially for those who believe that corruption and abuse of power have gone unchecked for too long.
Additionally, impeachment sends a strong message to future leaders: misconduct will have consequences. If proven guilty of wrongdoing, Duterte’s removal would set an example that public officials must act with integrity—or face the consequences.
The Risks and Consequences
However, impeachment is not without its dangers. One of the biggest risks is political instability. The process could deepen divisions in the country, turning the political landscape into a battlefield where partisanship overtakes governance. Instead of focusing on economic recovery, poverty alleviation, and national security, the government could become consumed by political infighting.
Another concern is the timing. With elections approaching, impeachment could overshadow more pressing issues, reducing the campaign season to a mere referendum on Duterte rather than a meaningful debate on policies that affect the people. It could also be used as a tool to pressure candidates into taking sides, further polarizing the electorate.
Moreover, impeachment is a long and complex process that requires strong backing in Congress. Without a clear path to success, it risks becoming a drawn-out political spectacle that ultimately leads nowhere—wasting time, resources, and public attention.
Politics Over Governance
At its core, this impeachment appears less about justice and more about political maneuvering. While accountability is essential in a democracy, it should not be weaponized for political gain. Lawmakers should be focusing on solutions that directly impact the lives of Filipinos, rather than using government institutions as a battleground for power struggles.
In the end, the Filipino people deserve more than political theater. They deserve leaders who prioritize governance over gamesmanship, real solutions over distractions, and genuine accountability over last-minute power plays.
