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House Leaders Won't Be 'Bullied' Over Sara Impeachment Vote, Says Ortega
Photo credit: Congress PH
Deputy Speaker of the House Paolo Ortega V pushed back Sunday against threats directed at lawmakers supporting the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, declaring that members of the House will not be intimidated while carrying out their constitutional duties.
The statement came after PDP-Laban warned lawmakers that those who vote in favor of Duterte’s impeachment could face political consequences, including losing support from the party in future elections.
Ortega said lawmakers are guided by the Constitution and not by political pressure or intimidation.
According to the deputy speaker, voting on an impeachment complaint is part of Congress’ constitutional responsibility and should not be treated as an act of political persecution. He stressed that public officials must be allowed to review evidence and decide based on facts without fear of retaliation.
He also criticized what he described as attempts to pressure lawmakers into silence, saying elected officials should answer first to the Filipino people and not to political groups seeking to regain influence.
For Ortega, the impeachment proceedings are ultimately about accountability and the rule of law, not political rivalries or the 2028 elections.
He said Congress has the duty to examine serious allegations involving confidential funds, questionable financial transactions, threats against national leaders, and possible abuse of public office.
The La Union lawmaker also rejected claims that the impeachment process threatens democracy, arguing instead that the real danger lies in efforts to intimidate institutions and force lawmakers into submission.
In a strongly worded statement, Ortega warned against what he called attempts to revive personalities and political forces linked to controversial issues from previous administrations. He cited concerns involving extrajudicial killings, the Pharmally controversy, illegal POGO-related activities, fake citizenship scandals, and the alleged rise of organized criminal syndicates.
He maintained that Congress should not allow fear or political pressure to interfere with its constitutional role.
Ortega added that lawmakers understand the seriousness of the impeachment process and will not be distracted by threats of blacklisting or political revenge.
“At the end of the day,” he said, lawmakers will be judged not by political parties or vested interests, but by the Filipino people and by history itself.
The statement came after PDP-Laban warned lawmakers that those who vote in favor of Duterte’s impeachment could face political consequences, including losing support from the party in future elections.
Ortega said lawmakers are guided by the Constitution and not by political pressure or intimidation.
According to the deputy speaker, voting on an impeachment complaint is part of Congress’ constitutional responsibility and should not be treated as an act of political persecution. He stressed that public officials must be allowed to review evidence and decide based on facts without fear of retaliation.
He also criticized what he described as attempts to pressure lawmakers into silence, saying elected officials should answer first to the Filipino people and not to political groups seeking to regain influence.
For Ortega, the impeachment proceedings are ultimately about accountability and the rule of law, not political rivalries or the 2028 elections.
He said Congress has the duty to examine serious allegations involving confidential funds, questionable financial transactions, threats against national leaders, and possible abuse of public office.
The La Union lawmaker also rejected claims that the impeachment process threatens democracy, arguing instead that the real danger lies in efforts to intimidate institutions and force lawmakers into submission.
In a strongly worded statement, Ortega warned against what he called attempts to revive personalities and political forces linked to controversial issues from previous administrations. He cited concerns involving extrajudicial killings, the Pharmally controversy, illegal POGO-related activities, fake citizenship scandals, and the alleged rise of organized criminal syndicates.
He maintained that Congress should not allow fear or political pressure to interfere with its constitutional role.
Ortega added that lawmakers understand the seriousness of the impeachment process and will not be distracted by threats of blacklisting or political revenge.
“At the end of the day,” he said, lawmakers will be judged not by political parties or vested interests, but by the Filipino people and by history itself.
May 11, 2026
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