Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte on Monday pushed back against the impeachment complaint filed against Ferdinand Marcos Jr., describing the move as a calculated distraction rather than a genuine accountability effort.
In a statement released in Davao City on January 19, Duterte raised doubts about the intent behind the complaint endorsed by Jett Nisay of the Pusong Pinoy Party-list, pointing to what he said were overlapping political actions involving the President and Liza Araneta Marcos.
“What is this?! Conflict of interest or political multi-tasking? Impeach on the left hand, disbar on the right? Its world-class gymnastics,” Duterte said, referring to the impeachment complaint and the separate disbarment case filed by the First Lady against former Biliran Rep. Glen Chiong.
Duterte also cited constitutional restrictions governing impeachment, arguing that the filing could function as a procedural shield instead of a pathway to accountability.
“Alam naman natin na iisang impeachment complaint lamang ang pwedeng ma file laban sa isang impeachable official..mga impeachment cases na ganito ay walang ibang purpose kundi ang idepensa ang isang impeachable official laban sa mga totoong impeachment cases,” he said.
He further questioned how allegations linked to flood control projects were being addressed, noting the absence of publicly presented evidence.
“Pero imbes imbestigasyon, diversion ang gi-serve: impeachment na lutong-macau, disbarment na pang-sideline, presscon na walay katapusan,” Duterte said.
“The people are not blind. They’re just tired of being played,” he added.
