Pro-impeachment lawmakers facing political backlash in their localities

The impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte may be seen as a “blessing in disguise” for PDP-Laban senatorial bets, but at the local level, it has become a major political backlash—a “curse” for the 215 congressmen who signed the impeachment complaint and are now seeking re-election or running for other local positions, according to Benito Ranque, convenor of the now-defunct Marcos-Sara Duterte Alliance (MASADA), on Saturday.

Ranque claimed that, as early as now, pro-impeachment congressmen in various parts of the country are struggling to explain their decision to their constituents in an attempt to appease the outrage, especially from those who supported and voted for the Marcos-Duterte tandem.

Although he did not name specific congressmen, he noted that their political opponents are making the impeachment a major election issue in their respective localities.

"The 215 lawmakers are up against the over 32 million voters who supported the Marcos Duterte tandem," Ranque said.

In the National Capital Region, a congressman who took his oath before Vice President Duterte after the 2022 elections and later became active in congressional hearings against her has reportedly become unpopular. Ranque claimed the lawmaker is often ignored by the public while making rounds in the city.

"The voters are now confronting their congressmen, asking why, after the landslide victory of over 30 million for President Marcos and VP Sara, this congressmen has moved to impeach the Vice President," he said.

Ranque further alleged that the backlash has escalated in some areas, with incidents of vandalism targeting posters and streamers of local candidates. In other cases, he claimed that some congressmen have been forced to leave campaign rallies due to chants of "Marcos-Duterte!" from the crowd.

He pointed out that most of the 215 lawmakers were previously affiliated with the Alyansa Duterte Alliance (ALDUB) and the defunct Marcos-Sara Duterte Alliance, both of which rallied across the country to unite the so-called "Solid North" and "Solid South."

Ranque also recalled that many lawmakers, particularly in Mindanao, actively participated in the "Run Sara Run" movement before the 2022 elections, urging then-Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to seek the presidency.

"It's ironic that those who urged then Mayor Sara Duterte to run for President are now the same people who signed the impeachment complaint  against Vice President Sara”  Ranque said.

Meanwhile, lawmakers who did not sign the impeachment complaint are reportedly gaining popularity for their unwavering support of the alliance.

"The anger in some areas is evident. Some people have resorted to vandalizing campaign materials, while in other places, congressmen are forced to leave the stage at rallies due to loud chants of ‘Duterte! Duterte!’” he said.

Ranque reiterated that the impeachment remains a contentious issue, with many voters now questioning the motives of their representatives who once championed the Marcos-Duterte tandem.