Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte said the impeachment effort against President Bongbong Marcos is being used to divert public attention away from unresolved corruption issues involving senior political figures and their allies.
The Davao City lawmaker said public discussion has been heavily focused on impeachment while allegations connected to powerful political interests have remained unresolved. He described this dynamic as selective accountability.
“Why are they permanently untouchable? Why does every investigation suddenly lose its spine the moment their names enter the room?” Duterte said, referring to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Marcos.
Duterte cited Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings where witnesses testified about the construction of a Forbes Park property in Makati City that was raised during proceedings in connection with the former House Speaker. During the hearings, businessman Curlee Discaya denied being the contractor of the property.
Duterte said he believes the inquiry stalled after the denial. He claimed that no subpoenas were issued and no further verification steps were taken, including the summoning of officials from the company listed as the registered owner of the property.
“The moment Discaya denied it, the Senate retreated,” Duterte said.
He said the sequence reinforced his view that investigations lose momentum when they involve individuals linked to political power.
Duterte also raised concerns about flood control projects, saying issues surrounding fund use and implementation have repeatedly been raised in public discussions and congressional inquiries. He said large allocations have been made for flood control while communities affected by flooding continue to experience damage.
“This is no longer a coincidence. It is a pattern,” Duterte said.
He said impeachment-driven political disputes distract from broader accountability questions that remain unresolved.
“The people are not blind. They know when they are being played. And they will remember who looked away,” Duterte said.
“Hukman lang gihapon mo sa katawhan karong 2028 (The people will judge you in 2028),” he added.
