De Lima Questions INC Peace Rally, Warns of Another Duterte Presidency

Former Senator Leila De Lima criticized the recent peace rally organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), questioning its motives amid ongoing discussions of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.

In an interview during a seminar event at Bicol University, Legazpi City, Albay on Tuesday, January 14 , De Lima acknowledged the INC’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly but expressed concern over its potential influence on lawmakers handling the impeachment. 

‘Karapatan nila yan, you know they have their right to peacefully assemble, they have the right to free expression,  express of they want to say but yung ipakita na parang they are a force to be reckoned with, para maging takot na itong mga miyembro ng house of representatives na isulong ang impeachment. I think that is out of line, seryoso ang mga grounds e bako [hindi] man yan mga imbento,” she said.

De Lima highlighted serious allegations against Duterte, including misuse of confidential funds, public threats, and failure to address pressing issues such as extrajudicial killings and China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

“The grounds for impeachment are serious and well-documented,” she noted, referencing House hearings that revealed misuse of public funds and Duterte’s reluctance to provide direct explanations.

Regarding Duterte’s potential 2028 presidential bid, De Lima warned of a repeat of the Duterte administration’s controversies. 

“Seriously considering it another Duterte Presidency, can we afford another Duterte Presidency? ano na naman ang mangyayari, andyan na naman siguro yung mga patayan, and about the China and west Philippines sea issue. Have we ever heard her comment or have we ever heard her condemn what China has been doing all this time? the harrasment, aggression, dun sa west Philippine sea?,” she asked.

De Lima dismissed the rally’s impact on public sentiment, citing a survey where 41% of respondents favored impeachment, compared to 31% against. She pointed out that even in Duterte’s stronghold of Mindanao, 22% supported impeachment.

Representing the first group of impeachment complainants, De Lima reiterated her commitment to justice and accountability. She called on Congress to act decisively, emphasizing that public support for accountability cannot be overshadowed by demonstrations.

“Paano kita [tayo] magkakaroon ng peace at paano kita [tayo] magkakaroon ng unity kung mayong [walang] pananagutan mayong [walang] accountability mayong [walang] hustisya” she concluded. I Jeric Lopez

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