Former anti-corruption czar blasts Duterte impeachment

National

FORMER Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) chairman Greco Belgica criticized the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, calling it a politically motivated move that distracts from urgent national issues.

“It is all political. Pagtinanggal ninyo si VP Sara, baba na ba ang presyo ng bilihin?” Belgica said on Wednesday, February 5, questioning whether the impeachment would help ease the country’s economic challenges.

Belgica, the first nominee of the Bisaya Gyud partylist, expressed frustration over the focus on Duterte’s statements instead of addressing pressing concerns such as inflation and economic recovery.

“Bakit ngayon?… Bakit ninyo minamadali?” he added, raising doubts about the timing of the impeachment proceedings.

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte, with 215 lawmakers supporting the resolution. The case now moves to the Senate for trial.

Despite the controversy, Belgica urged legislators to ensure fairness in investigating government funds. He stressed that inquiries into confidential funds should cover all agencies that receive them, not just the vice president’s office.

Pushing for Reforms Amid Political Controversy

Aside from his stance on Duterte’s impeachment, Belgica has been vocal about his plans if elected to Congress in the 2025 elections.

Currently in Cebu to campaign, particularly among Christian church groups, Belgica is a pastor and a former Manila City councilor.

He has long been known for his anti-corruption efforts, having led the legal battle that resulted in the Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling declaring the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) unconstitutional—a landmark decision now known as the “Belgica Ruling.”

Belgica also advocates for economic reforms, particularly cutting bureaucratic red tape to encourage business growth.

He lamented the inefficiencies in government processes, emphasizing how difficult it is to start a business in the country compared to other nations.

“Ang tagal magparehistro ng negosyo sa atin. Sa ibang bansa, ilang minuto lang, tapos na. Dito, buwan ang bibilangin,” he said, criticizing the slow business registration process in the Philippines.(MyTVCebu)