Newfound spunk

Newfound spunk | Daily Tribune

A tangled web of politics, religion and power struggles has ensnared the House of Representatives in a riveting saga that is uniquely Filipino. At the center of this political telenovela are the looming impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte and the equally imminent intervention of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), a religious organization with a storied history as a political kingmaker.

Could this unfolding drama signal the twilight of the INC’s once unassailable influence? Or is this just another chapter in the endless saga of politicians groveling for its blessings?

The status quo trembles under the weight of House Secretary General Reginald Velasco’s audacious declaration to DAILY TRIBUNE: “There’s nothing to fear” from the INC’s forthcoming prayer gathering — a gathering ostensibly aimed at persuading lawmakers to shield Duterte from impeachment.

Velasco’s defiance could signify a bold shift — a willingness among lawmakers to break free from the shadow of the INC’s bloc-voting influence. But is this newfound “courage” genuine principle or mere political posturing? Bravery or false bravado?

In Philippine elections, the INC has always occupied center stage. Politicians, eager to secure its bloc vote, have long flocked to its doorstep like moths to a flame.

Yet recent contests suggest its grip may be slipping. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2022 presidential win, achieved without overt insider backing from the INC, illustrates the point — though some within the group would beg to differ.

Still, the House’s priorities seem woefully out of sync with the nation’s needs. With the 2025 midterms looming, lawmakers appear fixated on an impeachment process that feels more like a high-stakes game of political chess than a genuine pursuit of accountability.

Critics argue that the allegations against Duterte are less about justice and more about derailing her 2028 presidential ambition. The timing and tenor of these proceedings leave little doubt that political intrigue, not moral conviction, drives the drama. Yet the accusations — particularly regarding her use of confidential funds — demand answers.

Enter Sara Duterte, defiant as ever, wielding threats and cloaking herself in martyrdom. Her fiery rhetoric — dark musings of assassins and vengeance — may dazzle the nightly news, but it does little to enhance her stature as a leader.

Instead of facing the allegations head-on, Duterte casts herself as the victim of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a man widely seen as her chief rival for the presidency in 2028.

Why not take the high road? If she has nothing to hide, a clear and dignified defense could silence her critics and lend weight to her claims of innocence. By choosing defiance over disclosure, Duterte has handed her opponents every weapon they need.

The albatross around Duterte’s neck remains the issue of confidential funds. As vice president and former education secretary, she had access to substantial sums earmarked for “confidential” purposes — a term that has long fueled controversy in Philippine governance. Transparency, which could have been her shield, has become her Achilles’ heel.

Meanwhile, those seeking to impeach Duterte are hardly paragons of integrity themselves, especially those lawmakers sitting left of center. Their maneuvers reek of ulterior motives, undermining public trust in the House. This, too, at a time when the Philippines faces urgent challenges — national security threats, a faltering education system, and economic uncertainty.

This melodrama feels like a cruel insult to the Filipino people. And yet, the INC looms large, preparing for its 13 January prayer gathering. While the group insists it is not staging a political event, the timing and optics suggest otherwise.

For an institution that has long prided itself on its kingmaker status, this moment may prove pivotal. Will the rally expose its waning clout, or will it remind everyone of its enduring power?

Ultimately, the midterm elections will serve as the true reckoning for the INC, Duterte, the House and the Palace. Will the lawmakers rise above self-interest and prioritize the country? Will Duterte’s allies manage to stop her removal? And, when push comes to shove, can the INC still flex its political muscle?

The Filipino people deserve better than this tiresome soap opera of religious meddling and political gamesmanship. As 2025 unfolds, it’s time for all parties to set aside their petty feuds and focus on what truly matters. The nation can no longer afford to serve as the stage for their trivial battles.