Ridon rejects claims linking ICI attendance to political budget schemes

Senator Imee Marcos recently claimed that the low attendance of some senators at a hearing of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) was linked to alleged funds she described as being used to “giniling” (grind up or recycle) political opposition against Vice President Sara Duterte.

However, House Deputy Minority Leader Terry Ridon dismissed any alleged connection between attendance issues at ICI hearings and claims of political budget manipulation targeting the Vice President.

Ridon urged critics not to conflate unrelated political issues, stressing that several lawmakers, including Sandro Marcos and other named representatives, have participated in the ICI process. He warned that unproven “grand conspiracy” narratives — especially those suggesting budgetary leverage by powerful actors — should be supported by evidence before being repeated.

Addressing speculation that impeachment efforts against Sara Duterte are tied to promises of projects or budget allocations, Ridon reiterated that impeachment proceedings are grounded in law, evidence, and accountability — not political bargaining.

“Because Impeachment proceedings are not based on projects that are promised, impeachment proceedings are quests for truth and accountability,” he said.

Ridon emphasized that what happens after 6 February — when the constitutional one-year bar on refiling impeachment complaints expires — is a matter for the legislature to decide independently of unverified claims of budgetary leverage.

He noted that the basis of the impeachment complaint filed last year, including allegations of misuse of confidential funds and other high crimes, has not changed. Should House members or civil society groups choose to file a new complaint after the one-year ban, Ridon said they are free to do so.

He added that any such move should remain evidence-based and procedurally sound, rather than motivated by promises of projects for 2026.

“I dont think they will be motivated by any promises of any projects for 2026,” he said.