Forty-one lawmakers from Mindanao joined their colleagues in the House of Representatives to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday.
The decision, rooted in allegations of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, misuse of funds, and threats against the President and his family, has placed these legislators in a precarious position. For many, the vote was a principled stand.
But one that could come at a steep political cost in the Duterte familyโs long-standing stronghold.
Battleground of Loyalty and Accountability
Mindanao, where the Dutertes have dominated politics for over two decades, is now a battleground of loyalty and accountability. Sara Duterte, a former mayor and vice mayor of Davao City, enjoys deep-rooted support in the region, making the impeachment vote a risky move for lawmakers who represent her home turf.
Lanao Del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, one of the designated prosecutors for the impeachment trial, openly acknowledged the potential backlash.
โAs someone from Mindanao, I understandโand even feelโthe possible repercussions,โ Adiong said during a press conference. โBut once youโre elected to office, youโre expected to uphold the integrity of that office. These are serious offenses, high crimes committed by the Vice President. How can I face my voters if I turn a blind eye to these allegations simply because Iโm from Mindanao?โ
Adiong, who supported Duterte during the 2022 elections, emphasized that the decision to impeach was not taken lightly.
โWe cannot be more concerned about political popularity than the truth. These crimes were committed blatantly, under the sun. I can no longer ignore them,โ he added.
The lone representative from the Davao Region to sign the impeachment complaint, Davao del Surโs John Tracy Cagas, now finds himself in an even more delicate position. As the sole voice from the Duterte familyโs political heartland to back the impeachment, Cagas is likely to face intense scrutiny and pressure from constituents who remain loyal to the Vice President.
Roll Call of Political Courage of Lawmakers
The full list of Mindanao lawmakers who supported the impeachment reads like a roll call of political courageโor defiance, depending on oneโs perspective. Among them are Agusan del Norteโs Jose Aquino, Bukidnonโs Jose Manuel Alba, and Lanao del Surโs Yasser Balindong.
Each now faces the daunting task of explaining their decision to voters in a region where the Duterte name carries significant weight.
Meanwhile, 20 Mindanao lawmakers chose not to sign the impeachment complaint, citing personal and political considerations. Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor, one of the prosecutors for the trial, expressed understanding for their decision.
โWe have nothing bad to say about them. Perhaps they had personal considerations or relationships that influenced their choice,โ Defensor said. โMany of us signed, and many did not. There was no coercion, and no regrets on either side.โ
For those who did sign, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The impeachment trial, delayed until June due to the Senateโs adjournment, will unfold against the backdrop of the May 12 elections. This timing adds another layer of complexity, as lawmakers who supported the impeachment may face voter backlash at the polls.
The decision to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte is a defining moment for Mindanaoโs political landscape. It pits principles against loyalty, accountability against tradition, and courage against caution.
As these lawmakers prepare to defend their votes to their constituents, several question looms. Will their stand for accountability strengthen their credibility, or will it cost them their political futures in a region where the Duterte legacy runs deep?
For now, the impeachment vote stands as a testament to their resolve. But the true test will come in the months ahead. They are going to face the voters who will ultimately judge their decision.
