The lodging of impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte for her betrayal of public trust is not just a teaching moment, but also underscores the urgent need for public pressure to hold culpable government officials accountable.
This was the resounding message of “Why Impeach: A Forum on Public Accountability” held on Saturday by IBON and the IBON Partnership in Education for Development (IPED) Educators’ Forum for Development (EFD). The online forum was attended by over 80 individuals from some 40 schools and organizations.
IBON Research Head Rosario Guzman gave the rationale, saying that the discussion on the impeachment cases filed against Sara Duterte was a teaching moment on social studies as it tackles social realities; on public accountability as the highest officials of the land display abuse of the power vested on them by the people; and on democracy at a time that it is not fully realized. Guzman also said “Why Impeach” teaches about the nation’s aspiration for a just economy and budgeting amid the government’s perpetration of neoliberal policies that worsen poverty and inequality. Marcos has downplayed the issue, dodging criticism that his administration’s anomalous 2025 budget is riddled with pork barrel spending, electioneering, debt-servicing and preservation of an elitist economy.
Atty. Carlos Zarate, former Congressman and current Bayan Muna Executive Vice President, discussed the “People’s Complaint” filed against Duterte on December 4 by 75 individuals from various sectors and endorsed by Makabayan lawmakers. The complaint cites three acts of the betrayal of public trust, which prove that the Vice President has violated her oath to office and should be held accountable and impeached. These are based on the 1987 Philippine Constitution’s Article XI Sections 1 and 2 on public office being a public trust. These acts include:
- Gross abuse of discretionary powers over Php612.5 million in confidential funds from December 31, 2022 until the third quarter of 2023;
- Disregard of transparency and accountability evidenced by falsified liquidation and accomplishment reports and questionable explanations in the use of the confidential funds; and
- Dereliction of duty shown by Duterte’s aversion to official processes related to the national budget and government inquiries that transpired.
The former congressman also explained the impeachment process and underscored the importance of more public discussions to build awareness and support as well as ensure the complaint’s advance.
In reaction, Prof. David San Juan, convenor of the Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw At Abusado Network Alliance or TAMA NA, affirmed that the impeachment cases have sufficient grounds. He stressed that the people’s collective actions need to be sustained beyond the Christmas season to push solons to attend to the complaints, saying that such public pressure has historically been effective. San Juan also reminded the audience to remain vigilant over the budget, scrutinize the Office of the President’s similarly huge confidential and intelligence funds, and probe where each centavo of the people’s money goes, especially in terms of social services.
Donna Miranda, a parent at the Children’s Rehabilitation Center (CRC) and volunteer for the Unyon ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA), said that the home is the first school of Filipino children, who will be the country’s future nation builders. She said that the impeachment process is a parenting moment as well where families can discuss the value of democracy, accountability, public trust, and civic participation.
All four speakers emphasized that the move to impeach Sara Duterte should not be trivialized as just the falling-out of the Marcos and Duterte camps, but as a serious effort by Filipinos to collectively hold corrupt bureaucrats answerable. They agreed on the need for more forums and mobilizations to strengthen people’s solidarity on the impeachment move. These can serve as a warning and hold officials like Duterte accountable for breaking their sworn oath of service. ###
