Amid renewed political controversies and public debates, La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V called on Filipinos to keep their attention on the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, describing it as the issue that deserves the greatest public scrutiny.
Ortega said the proceedings would serve as the proper venue for examining accusations against Duterte, noting that both the prosecution and defense would have the opportunity to present their respective evidence and arguments before the Senate impeachment court.
“Kung ano-anong distraction, kung anu-anong smokescreen. But focus lang tayo sa impeachment trial,” Ortega said.
The lawmaker compared the long-awaited trial to a major sporting championship that audiences eagerly anticipate, saying the public should remain focused on the proceedings despite other developments dominating headlines.
“Ang dami na pong nangyari pero wala lahat ‘yan. Doon tayo sa NBA Finals. Focus lang tayo sa impeachment trial,” he said.
His remarks came as allegations involving former military personnel and supposed irregularities in flood control projects resurfaced in public discourse. Individuals linked to the accusations have denied wrongdoing and challenged their accusers to bring supporting evidence before the appropriate forum.
Without directly addressing those claims, Ortega maintained that attention should remain on the impeachment case, which he said is the matter the public has been waiting to see resolved.
Duterte previously faced impeachment but was not tried by the Senate last year. The impeachment court conducted a pre-trial conference on June 18, while the formal trial is scheduled to begin on July 6.
According to Ortega, the proceedings are significant regardless of the final verdict because they will allow the public to hear the evidence presented by both sides and help establish the facts surrounding the allegations.
“‘Yun ang number one po na inaantabayanan, ‘yun po ang number one na kailangang sagutin. Kaya mas magandang tapusin na rin, matuldukan na,” Ortega said.
“At the end of the day, naniniwala tayo na malakas ang ebidensya, na may conviction,” he added.
