Impeachment driven by politics weakens economy – Gatchalian

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January 26, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian yesterday warned colleagues in the legislative branch against pursuing impeachment for “mere political ends,” saying moves driven by partisanship rather than evidence could further divide the country and undermine the already fragile economy.

Speaking with radio dzBB, Gatchalian cautioned lawmakers against filing or advancing impeachment complaints merely for political leverage, stressing that the country is in a “very sensitive” situation.

“If this is just for political ends, then don’t pursue it,” Gatchalian said, noting that heightened political instability creates uncertainty that can be exploited by those who wish to sow disorder.

Gatchalian said impeachment, while constitutionally provided, is largely a political exercise and inherently divisive – a situation that becomes worse if both the President and Vice President are targets.

He pointed out that investors and businesses value stability, warning that prolonged political turmoil could dampen confidence at a time when economic indicators are already softening.

Gatchalian said the process in the House of Representatives has become “very strict,” likening it to passing through the eye of a needle following recent Supreme Court ruling on Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment.

He was referring to the more formalized procedural requirements set by the SC that function as a preliminary investigation phase. Before this ruling, an impeachment case is automatically transmitted to the Senate upon the endorsement of one-third of House members.

At the same time, Gatchalian emphasized that Congress and the Senate have a constitutional duty to act if impeachment reaches the proper stage, provided the process is evidence-based and compliant with the law.

“If it will come to that, it’s what the Constitution dictates so we will abide by it,” he said.

Asked about impeachment grounds against President Marcos related to the use of unprogrammed appropriations, Gatchalian said the practice has existed for decades, dating back to the administration of former president Corazon Aquino, and has been used annually by successive presidents without an SC ruling declaring it illegal.

However, Gatchalian acknowledged that abuses had occurred in recent years, particularly in 2023, 2024 and 2025, citing the use of lump-sum allocations such as those under the SAGIP program.