Former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo condemned the House of Representatives for pushing forward with the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, calling it a politically motivated effort to derail her 2028 presidential bid.
Saying the move was expected, he accused lawmakers of prioritizing a divisive agenda over national interests.
“These lawmakers obviously have not heeded the overwhelming voice of the people opposing the impeachment,” Panelo said in a statement.
He claimed the impeachment process was designed to “destroy and besmirch” Duterte’s reputation to disqualify her from the next presidential race, where she is seen as a leading contender.
Panelo criticized the House for ignoring President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s position against engaging in such a “non-productive political endeavor.” He also warned that the impeachment bid would only strengthen public support for Duterte and fuel anger against what he called a blatant disregard for constitutional principles.
“They have not learned the lessons of history… Indeed, ‘Whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad,'” Panelo said.
The House of Representatives on Wednesday impeached Duterte, citing allegations ranging from conspiracy to assassinate Marcos to large-scale corruption and human rights violations.
