The impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte has blown up in the administration’s face, becoming a “self-inflicted wound” that bled votes across Mindanao during the midterm elections.
“We didn’t campaign in Mindanao because once the impeachment complaint was filed, the region solidified against us,” revealed Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco, campaign manager of the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, during a candid radio interview on DZBB.
The political miscalculation proved costly. Voters in Mindanao, a known Duterte stronghold, shifted their support to candidates who opposed the impeachment. “People changed how they chose their candidates. They picked those who wouldn’t vote for impeachment,” Tiangco explained.
Despite being an administration ally, Tiangco refused to sign the articles of impeachment against Duterte when they were sent to the Senate on February 5. His stance reflects the growing divide within government ranks over the controversial move.
“Why did they force the impeachment when I told them nothing would come of it? The Senate won’t take it up until June 2,” Tiangco said, frustration evident in his voice. “They forced it through, and now they blame me for the losses?”
The impact rippled beyond national candidates. Local politicians allied with the administration also felt the sting as rivals campaigned against anyone connected to Alyansa.
“There was no public demand to impeach Duterte,” Tiangco pointed out. “The problem didn’t come from us.”
Senate President Francis Escudero confirmed the political fallout, acknowledging that both the impeachment and the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte significantly affected the midterm election results.
The impeachment trial is set to continue on July 3 unless the Supreme Court issues a restraining order. Escudero will preside over the proceedings as head of the impeachment court.
Adding fuel to the political fire, former senator Leila de Lima and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno have been named as prosecutors in the case. Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong praised their addition, saying they bring “moral clarity and legal precision” to the proceedings.
“Their presence brings not only expertise but also a profound human rights perspective that elevates the quality of the entire proceeding,” Adiong stated on Thursday.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has committed to a hands-off approach. “The President will not interfere in whatever happens there,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed. “We are all for the rule of law.”
The President expects senators to act not out of personal loyalty but with accountability to the Filipino people. “Our appeal is for senators to fulfill their obligation—not just to one person, but to all Filipinos,” Castro added.
Over 200 House members supported Duterte’s impeachment, making her the first vice president in Philippine history to be impeached by the lower chamber. The charges include constitutional violations, bribery, corruption, and betrayal of public trust.
More serious allegations involve an alleged conspiracy to assassinate President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez, plus the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds.
The vice president has filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking to halt the proceedings. Despite the legal battle ahead, Duterte recently stated she is ready to accept whatever outcome her Senate trial may bring.
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