By CESAR JOLITO III

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson described the impeachment move against President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. as part of the country’s democratic process but expressed doubt that it would advance due to a lack of political support in Congress.

However, Lacson said he does not believe the effort will prosper.

“Impeachment is a numbers game,” he said yesterday, adding that proponents may not have sufficient support to successfully move the process forward.

Lacson said the bid should be left to Congress, which acts as the impeachment court.

He noted that the filing of impeachment complaints is allowed under the democratic system and may be initiated by lawmakers or even private individuals.

On possible economic implications, Lacson acknowledged that impeachment issues can initially cause investors — both local and foreign — to pause and reassess the situation.

“Right away, investors may take a step back and analyze if it is best to invest now or not,” he said.

Still, the governor emphasized that existing investors are likely to continue their operations in the country, noting that uncertainty does not automatically translate into capital flight.

Lacson further said he does not expect the impeachment issue to drastically affect the economy as long as constitutional processes are followed.

“If we only follow the democratic process, I don’t think it will affect us,” he said, stressing the importance of avoiding any extra-constitutional actions./CJ, WDJ