Davao Congressman Paolo Duterte Condemns Makabayan's 'Serial Impeachment' Campaign Against VP Sara
Davao City First District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte has launched a scathing critique against the Makabayan bloc, labeling their recent impeachment complaints against his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, as a "serial impeachment" strategy. The lawmaker questioned the true motives behind these legal actions, suggesting they stem from political ambition rather than genuine concern for justice.
'Hunger for Power' Allegations
In a strongly worded statement released on February 2, 2026, Rep. Duterte expressed his frustration with what he perceives as a pattern of destabilization attempts. "Unsa man ni — serial impeachment? Or klaro na kaayo nga gutom mo sa gahum? Makabayan is not interested in truth or justice," he declared, directly challenging the bloc's intentions. He emphasized that the Filipino people elected both President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, and attempts to remove them undermine democratic processes.
The congressman pointed out that the Makabayan bloc had previously moved to impeach President Marcos and is now rushing to target the Vice President ahead of a February 6 Supreme Court deadline. He argued that this sequential approach reveals a broader agenda to disrupt governance and advance what he called a "failed ideology" that has historically brought division and suffering.
Impeachment as a Political Tool
Rep. Duterte stressed that impeachment proceedings should be treated with utmost seriousness and not weaponized as a shortcut by groups that typically fare poorly in elections. "The Filipino people will not allow extremists — under any label — to hijack the government they did not earn," he asserted, framing the issue as a defense of democratic integrity against ideological extremism.
He called on the Makabayan bloc to reflect on their own historical accountability before lecturing others on public trust. Specifically, he demanded answers regarding victims associated with the New People's Army (NPA), questioning why the bloc has not denounced atrocities such as the recruitment of minors and violence against dissenters. "Kung tinuod inyong giapas ang hustisya, ngano wa man ninyo panagutan ang inyong kaugalingong kasaysayan?" he challenged, highlighting what he sees as hypocrisy in their pursuit of justice.
Details of the Impeachment Complaints
Two separate impeachment complaints were filed against Vice President Sara Duterte on the same day, adding fuel to the political fire:
- First Complaint: Filed by Makabayan lawmakers including Antonio Tinio, Renee Co, and Sarah Elago, along with former legislators France Castro and Neri Colmenares. This complaint focuses on the Vice President's actions during the 2026 budget deliberations, particularly her near-boycott of hearings for the Office of the Vice President.
- Second Complaint: Led by a coalition of civil society leaders such as Tindig Pilipinas convenor Kiko Aquino Dee, Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña, and ML Party-list Representative Leila de Lima. It alleges more severe charges, including culpable violations of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, and betrayal of public trust.
Rep. Duterte's remarks underscore the deepening political tensions in the Philippines, as impeachment mechanisms become a focal point in ongoing power struggles. His defense of his sister positions the Duterte family against left-leaning factions, setting the stage for further confrontations in the coming weeks.
