The chairperson of the House Committee on Justice on Saturday rejected allegations that lawmakers were being offered money, projects, or additional budget allocations in exchange for supporting the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro said she personally never encountered any offer, pressure, or threat throughout the impeachment proceedings, contrary to claims earlier raised by Vice President Duterte and Senator Imee Marcos.
Speaking during a news forum in Quezon City, Luistro said no one had approached her regarding incentives or intimidation since the start of the hearings conducted by the House justice panel.
“Wala po akong na-encounter na ganyan,” Luistro said, denying allegations that lawmakers were allegedly promised cash, increases in maintenance and operating expenses (MOOE), and project allocations in exchange for “yes” votes on the impeachment complaint.
Senator Marcos earlier claimed that House members supporting the impeachment were supposedly being offered financial incentives and additional projects, while those planning to oppose the move allegedly faced budget cuts and possible charges.
The senator also mentioned reports of lawmakers allegedly being promised millions of pesos in cash and additional monthly allocations.
Luistro, however, dismissed the accusations and maintained that the committee’s work focused solely on examining evidence and carrying out its constitutional duty.
She said the justice panel spent nearly two months conducting hearings and reviewing documentary evidence related to the impeachment complaint.
The House leader also denied suggestions that support for the impeachment was motivated by money or political pressure, stressing that she remained focused on defending the committee report before the plenary.
Luistro also rejected remarks from Duterte suggesting that some individuals were profiting from the impeachment process.
According to the lawmaker, no threats, offers, or intimidation tactics were made against her during the proceedings.
The House is expected to deliberate on the committee report and Articles of Impeachment against Duterte in the coming days.