Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco admitted it was difficult for him to vote in favor of the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying many Filipinos are more concerned about rising prices and the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Speaking after the House vote, Tiangco questioned whether impeachment proceedings would address the country’s immediate economic problems.
He also raised concerns about the “moral authority” of the House of Representatives to pursue the case, citing past corruption controversies involving previous congressional leadership.
Despite his reservations, Tiangco said alleged discrepancies in Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth ultimately convinced him to support the impeachment complaint.
“So yung pag boto ng yes is hindi pag husga, kung hindi yun nalang kasi yung natitirang paraan para sila ay mabigyan ng pagkakataon sa tamang venue na ipaliwanag bakit naging ganun yung deklarasyon nila doon sa SALN,” Tiangco said.
He stressed that voting in favor of impeachment should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt, but rather as a step to allow proper proceedings before the Senate impeachment court.
The House of Representatives earlier voted to impeach Duterte for the second time, with lawmakers approving articles of impeachment that included allegations tied to confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and alleged constitutional violations.
The case is expected to be transmitted to the Senate, which will convene as an impeachment court for the trial proceedings.
Tiangco’s remarks reflected concerns raised by some lawmakers who acknowledged political and public divisions surrounding the impeachment process amid ongoing economic pressures facing Filipinos.
