Bayang Pilipinas

Allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte are allegedly attempting to “weaponize” the Office of the Ombudsman in retaliation against House leaders following their decision to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte.

House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe made this statement after Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Pantaleon Alvarez, along with lawyer Ferdie Topacio and others, filed a motion with the Ombudsman seeking the suspension of Speaker Martin Romualdez, Dalipe himself, former House appropriations committee chair Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, and acting appropriations committee chair Marikina 2nd District Representative Stella Quimbo.

The motion is based on an earlier complaint filed against the four House leaders, accusing them of including alleged P241 billion worth of insertions in the proposed 2025 national budget.

“Alvarez’s suspension call is a desperate attempt to weaponize the Ombudsman for political retaliation. The House remains committed to upholding transparency and accountability, regardless of political affiliations,” Dalipe said in a statement on Thursday.

He expressed confidence that the Ombudsman would not allow itself to be used as a tool for political maneuvering, stating, “We trust that the Ombudsman will dismiss this baseless request for preventive suspension. Speaker Romualdez and the House leadership will continue working for the people, undeterred by these desperate political tactics.”

Dalipe also accused Alvarez and his allies of using the complaint as a distraction from the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte.

“Clearly, this complaint is a diversionary tactic aimed at shifting public attention away from the real issue—the Vice President’s impeachment and the questions of accountability she must address,” he added.

He further questioned the timing of the motion, suggesting it was meant to pressure the House and create a false narrative undermining its leadership.

“We will not be intimidated by these tactics. The House remains focused on serving the Filipino people, ensuring proper use of government funds, and holding public officials accountable, regardless of political ties,” he emphasized.

Dalipe also defended the integrity of the budget process, stating, “Let’s be clear: the General Appropriations Bill underwent rigorous, transparent, and lawful deliberations. Allegations of ‘insertions’ are misleading and baseless, meant to discredit Speaker Romualdez and House leadership for political gain. If there are legitimate concerns, they should be addressed through proper legislative channels, not political harassment.”

Last February 10, Duterte allies filed multiple charges against Romualdez, Dalipe, Co, and Quimbo, including two counts of falsification of legislative documents and 12 counts of graft.

The complaint also named unidentified individuals referred to as “John Doe” and “Jane Doe,” accusing them of violating Article 170 of the Revised Penal Code and Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Explaining the basis of the complaints, Topacio claimed that the alleged “insertions” in the national budget occurred 12 times and were identified in the bicameral report.

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