Members of the House prosecution panel rejected Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that government officials have become consumed by politics, saying the administration continues to address economic concerns and public service priorities while the impeachment trial proceeds before the Senate.
The prosecutors issued the response after Duterte called on government officials to set aside political interests and focus on peace and order, economic improvement, and better services for Filipinos.
Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said it was inaccurate to portray the government as focused solely on politics, citing continuing efforts to respond to economic challenges.
“Hindi rin naman po ito totoo,” Ridon said during a press briefing.
He said the government continues to implement programs aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos, including measures to raise wages in different regions and ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach more households.
“Marami pong iba’t ibang interventions na ginagawa ng pamahalaan para tutukan ang iba’t ibang mga pang-ekonomikong usapin na kinakaharap ng ating bayan,” Ridon said.
Ridon said the administration is pursuing measures to increase wages across regions and ensure that ordinary Filipinos benefit from the country’s transition to upper middle-income status.
“Hindi po totoo na consumed by politics lang po ’yung ginagawa ng ating pamahalaan. May aktwal na pagtugon doon sa mga batayang usapin at tingin ko nakatutok po yung pamahalaan sa mga bagay po na ito,” he said.
Manila Rep. Joel Chua, meanwhile, said Filipinos have long been waiting for Duterte to directly address the allegations against her instead of accusing the government of engaging in politics.
“Matagal nang nag-aantay ang ating mga kababayan na maging mas maayos itong bansa. Matagal na rin pong nag-aantay ang ating mga kababayan na sagutin niya ang issue kung sino si Mary Grace Piattos,” Chua said.
“Matagal na rin pong nag-aantay ang ating mga kababayan na siya po ay humarap at sagutin niya lahat ng mga alegasyon sa kanya sa impeachment,” he added.
Chua also challenged Duterte to explain the ₱6.7-billion transaction cited in records from the Anti-Money Laundering Council.
“Matagal na rin pong nag-aantay ang ating mga kababayan sa sagot niya kung saan po nanggaling ’yung transaction na nagkakahalaga ng ₱6.7 billion na inilabas po ng AMLC. ’Yan po muna ang sagutin niya bago po siya magsabi na kami ay namumulitika lamang,” Chua said.