Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice said he refuses to take part in the impeachment process of Vice President Sara Duterte, opting instead to pursue other pertinent issues at the House of Representatives.

Erice explained that his unwillingness to participate stems from his lack of belief that the impeachment of Duterte is part of Congress’ constitutional mandate.

He said the issue is a result of ongoing tensions between the Duterte and Marcos political dynasties, noting that Congress is being used as a stage for the dispute.

“Ayokong maging kabahagi ng mga alipores ng bawat dinastiya na ito sa kanilang laro, at sa tingin ko ay may mas mahalagang bagay na dapat pag-usapan sa Kongreso,” he said during an interview on a radio program on Sunday.

(I don’t want to be part of the henchmen of both dynasties in their game, and I think there are more important issues that must be discussed in Congress.)

“Ako’y hindi magpa-participate sa impeachment process na ito,” he added.

(I won’t be participating in this impeachment process.)

The solon further asserted that the investigation into the Vice President over her alleged wrongdoings is not truly a pursuit of accountability, but instead serves the interests of major political families in the Philippines.

Erice also said he will skip any meetings of the Liberal Party, a coalition he has long been part of, regarding its stance on the impeachment.

On Monday, 4 May, the House Committee on Justice is set to conduct a hearing to approve the committee report, resolution, and articles of impeachment before these are transmitted to the House plenary for final voting.

If the documents secure a one-third vote from lawmakers, they will be forwarded to the Senate, which will serve as the impeachment court for Duterte.