Bacolod Representative Confident Impeachment Complaint Against President Marcos Will Fail
BACOLOD. Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has voiced strong confidence that the impeachment complaint filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not prosper in Congress. In a recent statement, Benitez emphasized his belief that the case lacks sufficient grounds to move forward, highlighting the President's role in addressing corruption at a national level.
Benitez Questions Basis of Impeachment Allegations
Representative Benitez stated that he has not yet reviewed the detailed complaint but remains skeptical of its merits. "I haven't seen the complaint they filed against the President yet, but for me it still seems far off because we owe it to the President that this corruption issue is at this national level," Benitez explained. He further noted that President Marcos has been transparent in revealing governmental issues to the public, suggesting that the timing of these discoveries during his administration does not imply wrongdoing.
Details of the Impeachment Complaint and Political Context
The impeachment complaint was filed by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) chair Renato Reyes and former ACT Teachers Party-list representative France Castro, marking their second attempt against President Marcos. It has been endorsed by the Makabayan Bloc, which includes current ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Representative Sarah Elago, and Kabataan Party-list Representative Renee Co. The complaint accuses Marcos of betrayal of public trust, specifically alleging mishandling of unprogrammed appropriations—funds intended for urgent or unforeseen government needs that are released at the President's discretion.
Benitez challenged the basis of these allegations, saying, "I do not see what their basis is or what case they have filed for us to have an impeachment case against the President." He stressed that with the next election only two years away and public awareness currently high, such issues can be properly addressed and responded to through democratic processes rather than impeachment proceedings.
Political Implications and Future Outlook
Representative Benitez's comments underscore a broader political divide, with the Makabayan Bloc pushing for accountability while allies of the administration downplay the complaint's viability. He added that the case is unlikely to gain traction, pointing to the electoral timeline and the administration's efforts in tackling corruption. "All of these issues can already be addressed and responded properly," Benitez concluded, reinforcing his stance that the impeachment will not succeed. This development highlights ongoing tensions in Philippine politics as different factions navigate allegations and governance challenges.
