Paolo Duterte on Monday criticized the impeachment complaint filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., calling it a “scripted distraction” and questioning the motives behind the move.

In a statement issued in Davao City on 19 January, the Davao City First District representative said the impeachment complaint endorsed by Pusong Pinoy Party-list Rep. Jett Nisay raises serious questions, citing what he described as overlapping political actions involving the President and the First Lady.

“What is this?! Conflict of interest or political multi-tasking? Impeach on the left hand, disbar on the right? Its world-class gymnastics,” Duterte said, referring to the impeachment complaint and a separate disbarment case filed by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos against former Biliran Rep. Glen Chiong.

Duterte also underscored constitutional limits on impeachment proceedings, arguing that the filing serves as a shield rather than a legitimate accountability mechanism.

“Alam naman natin na iisang impeachment complaint lamang ang pwedeng ma file laban sa isang impeachable official..mga impeachment cases na ganito ay walang ibang purpose kundi ang idepensa ang isang impeachable official laban sa mga totoong impeachment cases,” he said.

He further questioned the handling of alleged corruption issues involving flood control projects, saying no concrete evidence has yet been presented.

“Pero imbes imbestigasyon, diversion ang gi-serve: impeachment na lutong-macau, disbarment na pang-sideline, presscon na walay katapusan,” Duterte said.

“The people are not blind. They’re just tired of being played,” he added.