ADMINISTRATION lawmakers yesterday said Vice President Sara Duterte’s sudden change of heart about not endorsing senatorial candidates is a strategic move meant to woo their support as she faces an impeachment trial.
“It’s clear that endorsements at this point are no longer just about principles or platforms. They’re about alliances, about survival,” La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V said in a statement.
Ortega said the change is no longer a surprise. “We know that the impeachment trial is nearing so it’s natural for het to look for allies,” he said in Filipino.
The trial is expected to start in July. Duterte was impeached in February. In September last year, she said will shun endorsing senatorial candidates but has since endorsed the bids of Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar of the Nacionalista Party and reelectionist Sen. Imee Marcos.
Villar, daughter of Sen. Cynthia Villar and former senator Manuel Villar, remains a member of the administration’s Alyansa Para a Bagong Pilipinas despite Duterte’s endorsement.
Marcos, the President’s sister, has left the administration’s senatorial ticket after leading the Senate’s investigation into the arrest of Duterte’s father, former president Rodrigo Duterte who is now facing trial in The Hague in the Netherlands for “crimes against humanity.”
The Vice President has also endorsed the nine-man senatorial candidates of her father’s political party, the PDP-Laban, which is led by reelectionist Sens. Christopher “Bong Go” and Ronald dela Rosa.
Ortega said the shift in the Vice President’s strategy “reflects political pragmatism.”
“From the very beginning, she has said that she will not endorse any senatorial bet but now, obviously, it has changed,” he said.
Ortega said the change in the Vice President’s stand is a reminder for public officials to “remain consistent in their words and actions to champion people’s interests.”
He also urged the Senate to conduct the impeachment trial “fairly and without influence from political affiliations or recent statements.”
“The ball in in the senators’ hands. Our role in the House is done. Now it’s time for the Senate to deliberate with fairness, dignity and independence,” Ortega said.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong shared the same observation.
“Given the context of the upcoming Senate trial, one can reasonably infer that she’s now building bridges where she once kept her distance.”
“We respect her prerogative. But we cannot ignore the timing and the possible implications of these moves, especially when they shift from neutrality to active endorsement,” he said.
“A public official’s word carries weight. When that word shifts for strategic reasons, it naturally invites scrutiny,” he added.
Adiong also said that since the credibility of the country’s democratic institutions is on the line, the Senate “must show that it can rise above political tides and deliver a verdict grounded in truth and constitutional duty.”
“The impeachment trial now rests with the Senate. Our expectation is fairness, transparency, and fidelity to the rule of law. In times like this, we need strong principles and not loyalty to one’s personal interests,” he said in mixed English and Filipino.
The Articles of Impeachment accuses Duterte of culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption and other high crimes. It was transmitted to the Senate on February 5.
Despite calls from the House for the trial to begin, Senate President Francis Escudero has said trial may start in July when Congress will resume session.
Among the specific acts cited by the complaint is the Vice President’s alleged illegal use of P612.5 million in confidential funds during her concurrent tenure as former education secretary.
