Paolo Duterte Warns: Impeachment Politics Risk Destabilizing Philippine Democracy

Paolo Duterte has issued a sharp warning against what he described as the weaponization of impeachment, cautioning that repeated impeachment efforts could destabilize the government and weaken democratic institutions.

In a statement released on his official Facebook page, the Davao City lawmaker criticized the Makabayan bloc for pushing impeachment initiatives not as a tool for genuine accountability, but as a political strategy aimed at exerting pressure outside the electoral process.

Duterte questioned the consistency of the bloc’s calls for justice, pointing out what he described as selective outrage—particularly in relation to allegations involving the New People’s Army, including reported abuses against civilians and minors.

He further linked the impeachment complaints filed against Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Sara Duterte, and himself as part of a broader pattern meant to destabilize leadership that secured a popular mandate from voters.

According to Duterte, impeachment should never become a substitute for electoral defeat. He stressed that governance must remain anchored in the will of the people—not in repeated legal maneuvers driven by ideology.

As impeachment actions involving multiple national officials continue to fuel tension within Congress, Duterte maintained that Filipinos will resist attempts to seize power through legal technicalities rather than democratic choice.

Kung talo sa eleksyon, huwag idaan sa shortcut — hindi ‘yan demokrasya, diskarte ‘yan.