Lawmakers refuted Vice President (VP) Sara Duterte’s statement that her impeachment complaint is another way for Congress to squander the public’s money.

In a press conference on Tuesday, TINGOG Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre and Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman responded to the VP’s claim about the latter’s impeachment complaint. According to Acidre, such procedures are part of the Constitution’s mechanism towards a stronger democracy.

“I don't think procedures such as impeachment are actually pagwawaldas in a sense. Ito ay mekanismo na nasa saligang batas, kasama ito sa pagiging isang matatag na demokrasya,” Acidre said.

Moreover, if they will be delving into the topic of squandering money, Acidre said that the VP might not be the right person to call them out on that.

The existence of checks and balances in the Constitution is there for a reason. According to Acidre, one of the reasons why it exists is so that people can demand accountability from officials, including those in the highest positions of power.

“I think with every resource that we invest or spend for this purpose is worth spending. Kasi kung wala ang paghahanap ng accountability at kung wala ang ating efforts para maitama ang maling ginagawa ng ating matataas na pinuno ng bansa, anong klaseng demokrasya naman tayo?” he expressed.

The two lawmakers mentioned that they are focused on the Congress’ legislative priorities at the moment. Their main goal is centered on the improvement of the nation and giving support to its people.

Meanwhile, Roman mentioned that she had not heard of the statement before. However, she stressed how impeachment processes had already happened in the past.

“Nangyari na itong impeachment processes, even in the past. Kay Chief Justice Corona, I remember kay (former) President Erap (Estrada)—maraming pangyayari. Are we to say na pagwawaldas din ‘yon ng pera ng taumbayan?” Roman questioned.

“Just let us do our work, and we will see. Let the truth prevail,” she ended.