Sara Duterte endorses senatorial bets to garner support – solons
ALLIES In a political campaign ad posted by reelectionist Sen. Imee Marcos on her Facebook page, she and Vice President Sara Duterte list the problems ailing the country. —SCREENGRAB FROM SEN. IMEE MARCOS’ FB PAGE.
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s endorsement of some senatorial candidates is a shift in strategy that reflects “political pragmatism” and a way to garner support ahead of her impeachment trial, according to lawmakers.
Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong issued separate statements on Easter Sunday after Duterte endorsed presidential sister Sen. Imee Marcos and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar.
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“It’s no surprise that our Vice President has changed her stance when it comes to endorsing Senate candidates. We know that the impeachment trial is coming soon, so it’s only natural that she’s looking for allies,” Ortega said.
“From the very beginning, she said she would not endorse anyone running for Senate. But now, obviously, that has changed,” he added.
Ortega also said such changes in Duterte’s political stance could be because her “political survival now hangs in the balance.”
“It’s clear that endorsements at this point are no longer just about principles or platforms. They’re about alliances, about survival. We understand the context, but consistency also matters, especially when the public is watching,” he added.
Adiong shared the same sentiments.
“It’s not surprising that she changed her tune on endorsing candidates. Given the context of the upcoming Senate trial, one can reasonably infer that she’s now building bridges where she once kept her distance,” he said.
“We respect her prerogative. But we cannot ignore the timing and the possible implications of these moves, especially when they shift from neutrality to active endorsement. A public official’s word carries weight. When that word shifts for strategic reasons, it naturally invites scrutiny,” he added.
Both lawmakers pointed out that the Senate should “demonstrate impartiality and institutional independence in handling the impeachment trial.”
They also urged the upper chamber to hold a “fair” impeachment trial “without influence from political affiliations or recent statements.”
“The credibility of our democratic institutions is on the line. The Senate must show that it can rise above political tides and deliver a verdict grounded in truth and constitutional duty,” Adiong said.
