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CEBU CITY — Former Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) chairman Greco Belgica criticized the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, calling it a political move that diverts attention from urgent national concerns.
"It is all political," said Belgica on Wednesday. "If you remove VP Sara, will prices of the commodities go down?"
Belgica, who is running as the first nominee of the Bisaya Gyud party-list, expressed frustration over the House's focus on Duterte's statements instead of pressing issues such as inflation and economic recovery.
PARTY-LIST HOPEFUL Former Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) chairman Greco Belgica meets his supporters on Feb. 6, 2025, in Cebu City to campaign for the Bisaya Gyud party-list where he is the first nominee. PHOTO BY KAISER JAN FUENTES
"Why now?... Why the rush?" he added, raising doubts on the timing of the impeachment proceedings.
The House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte on Feb. 5, with 215 lawmakers backing the resolution.
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The case will now proceed to the Senate for trial.
Belgica nonetheless urged the legislators to ensure fairness in investigating government funds, saying inquiries into confidential funds should cover all agencies that receive them, not just the vice president's office.
Aside from his political stance on Duterte's impeachment, Belgica has been vocal about his plans should he secure a congressional seat in the 2025 elections.
He is in Cebu to campaign for his candidacy, particularly among Christian church groups here, given that he is a pastor.
Belgica, who is a former Manila City councilor, has long opposed the pork barrel system, having led the legal battle that resulted in the Supreme Court's 2013 decision declaring the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) unconstitutional, a ruling now known as the "Belgica Ruling."
Belgica has also set his sights on economic reforms, particularly reducing red tape to boost business opportunities in the country.
He lamented the bureaucratic hurdles that slow down business registration, contrasting it with other nations where processes take mere minutes.
One of his flagship proposals is the establishment of the Cebu Business Global Islands on Olango Island in Lapu-Lapu City, which he envisions as a hub integrating ports, airports, and business processing centers to spur economic growth.
A known advocate for transparency and anti-corruption measures, Belgica reiterated his commitment to eliminating red tape and ensuring that government funds are used efficiently.
