TURNING POINT: The Untouchable

NAAWAN, Misamis Oriental (MindNews / 19 January) — Why is President Bongbong Marcos (PBBM) averse to the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte? Is he still entertaining reviving the Unity Team? But for what purpose? Or he is just apprehensive of a showdown that may destabilize his governance?

Marcos indicated that it is not the right time to initiate the process because of the upcoming elections where members of Congress would be busy campaigning. 

But impeachment is Congress’ domain. Let them do what they can. Marcos has no business speaking on their behalf.

Congress is mandated to process the impeachment if the evidence of the crime is compelling. Congress doesn’t need the approval of Malacanang for the purpose. The House doesn’t have a choice, and the Senate doesn’t have a choice once these impeachment complaints are filed. It must proceed.

Marcos’ non-support of Duterte’s impeachment was welcomed perceptibly with a sneer by the throng of Duterte followers in the Iglesia ni Kristo (INC). The INC recent peace rally, attended by some 1.8 million members was a show of force for VP Sara, and was intimidating. Marcos maintains his distance from the impeachment of the vice president, a stance that is tantamount to an admission of weakness.

Sara Duterte has been flexing her muscles this early for the 2028 presidential race. Despite the charges against her alleged plan of killing the president, his wife; and the speaker of the House, and her plunder of the OVP confidential funds, she remains scot-free. She refused to submit to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) probe and nothing happened. No one is running after her. She is untouchable.

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. William R. Adan, Ph.D., is retired professor and former chancellor of Mindanao State University at Naawan, Misamis Oriental)