An interfaith group on Thursday urged authorities not to let the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte overshadow efforts to pursue alleged flood-control corruption and other pending accountability cases.
“We caution against allowing the impeachment proceedings to eclipse other urgent matters of justice that equally demand the nation’s attention,” the InterReligious Leaders’ Council for National Transformation (IRLCNT) said.
The group called on the Office of the Ombudsman to immediately pursue cases against those implicated in alleged anomalies involving flood-control projects, saying those responsible for misusing public funds must be held accountable.
“We urge the Office of the Ombudsman to immediately pursue the filing of cases against those implicated in the alleged corruption surrounding flood control projects,” the council said in a statement signed by its convener, Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan.
“The Filipino people deserve to see that those who misuse public funds are held accountable,” it added.
The group also urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to report in his upcoming State of the Nation Address on the “concrete actions” his administration has taken against those allegedly involved in the anomalies.
It noted that the president had previously vowed to pursue those who stole funds intended to protect communities from devastating floods.
Beyond the flood-control controversy, the council said other accountability measures should move forward without delay.
“These include the implementation of lawful processes concerning the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court, investigations into alleged obstruction of justice, and the unresolved anomalies involving the Pharmally procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the group said.
“Justice cannot be selective, nor should it be suspended simply because another issue dominates public attention,” it added.
The IRLCNT welcomed the ongoing impeachment proceedings, saying they demonstrate that the rule of law and democratic institutions are functioning.
The group said constitutional processes should be allowed to take their course regardless of political affiliation, adding that the proceedings reinforce the principle that no one is above the law and that public accountability remains essential to maintaining trust.
