By CESAR JOLITO III
Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez downplayed the impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying the move lacks legal basis and will not benefit the country.
In an interview, Benitez said he sees no justification for pursuing impeachment against Marcos Jr., stressing that the president has been consistent in exposing corruption during his administration.
“I have not personally seen the complaint, but I do not see their basis to file the impeachment,” Benitez said.
“What good will this impeachment do for us? I don’t think it will do any good,” he added.
Benitez further argued that the public should recognize the president’s role in bringing long-standing corruption issues to light.
“We actually owe it to the president that these corruption issues were exposed,” the lawmaker added.
Benitez issued the statement following the filing of a second impeachment complaint by progressive groups before the House of Representatives, accusing Marcos of betrayal of public trust.
According to Benitez, the complaints are politically motivated, noting that the country is moving closer to the next election cycle.
“As you can see, less than two years from now, we will start the filing [for the 2028 elections],” he said, suggesting that political positioning may be driving the move.
He also pointed out that it is fortunate the alleged corruption issues surfaced under the current administration, warning that these might have remained hidden without decisive leadership from the president.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez said the House of Representatives would handle the impeachment complaint in accordance with the Constitution and established procedures once the documents are formally transmitted.
“Our role is to ensure that any proceeding follows due process to the letter, adheres to constitutional requirements, and ultimately serves the best interests of the public we represent,” he said.
The younger Benitez added that the concerned committee would carefully evaluate the evidence presented and ensure that all parties involved are given a fair opportunity to be heard./CJ, WDJ