BINAN City Representative Atty. Walfredo “Arman” Dimaguila on Monday expressed doubt that the impeachment cases filed against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte would prosper in Congress, stressing that the country needs to move forward instead of being further divided by politics.
In an interview, Dimaguila said the impeachment complaint against President Marcos is already with the House Committee on Justice but is unlikely to advance.
“Nasa Committee on Justice na yung kaso. Yung una, hilaw. Yung ikalawa, trying to be hinog, pero sa tingin ko, hindi ito papasa sa committee. I don’t think it will be approved against the President,” he said.
As for the impeachment moves against the Vice President, Dimaguila noted that these will largely depend on party alignments and voting blocs within the House of Representatives.
“Para sa Vice President, nabasa ko na rin yung dati. Sa tingin ko, titingnan ito ng mga blocs o partido sa Kongreso. Even the NUP has said that impeachment efforts against the President or the Vice President are too divisive,” he added.
The lawmaker said the timing of the impeachment initiatives is unhealthy for the nation, which he described as already deeply polarized.
“I think it’s the best time na kalimutan muna natin ang pulitika. Our country is too polarized, and it’s sad that we are already talking about impeaching or prosecuting our leaders,” Dimaguila said.
He also pointed out what he described as the irony surrounding the impeachment efforts, noting that many of those pushing the cases are allegedly linked to controversial flood control projects.
“Marami sa kanila ay involved sa flood control. That’s the irony,” he said.
Dimaguila clarified that his political party has yet to formally discuss or adopt a position on the impeachment complaints. He said internal discussions, particularly within the so-called “Laguna Bloc,” are expected to begin next week.
“Within the party, may tinatawag kaming Laguna Bloc. We decide as one. Next week, magsisimula pa lang ang discussion, and that’s when we will know our position,” he said.
While he personally believes that impeachment proceedings at this time would not be beneficial, Dimaguila emphasized that decisions in Congress are not based on personal views but on party positions and collective agreements.
“Personally, I think it’s time to move forward. Hindi magiging healthy na magkaroon ng impeachment ngayon, either sa President or sa Vice President. But that doesn’t mean iyon na ang magiging boto ko,” he explained.
“Sa Kongreso, hindi personal ang desisyon. Political party at bloc ang sinusunod. Ang boto ko ay depende sa partido,” Dimaguila added.
The lawmaker concluded by saying his primary concern remains delivering benefits to his constituents and ensuring stability for the country amid ongoing political tensions.
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