Politics · Philippines Bureau
Senate leaders deny using budget to coerce votes in Duterte case
Top Senate officials rejected Vice President Sara Duterte's allegation that lawmakers could be pressured through the 2027 budget to vote for her conviction in an impeachment trial. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and fellow senators denied any linkage between budget appropriations and judicial votes.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Key Senate leaders firmly denied Thursday that the proposed 2027 national budget was being used as leverage to influence senator-judges in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian stated categorically that the budget was not being held as an incentive to sway voting outcomes in her case. The denial came after Duterte raised concerns that the budget could serve as a tool to pressure lawmakers into convicting her. Gatchalian was joined by Senators Erwin Tulfo and Panfilo Lacson in rejecting the allegation. The three senators emphasized that the legislative process regarding budget appropriations and judicial proceedings remain entirely separate matters. Their statements sought to reassure the public that budget deliberations and impeachment proceedings operate independently of each other, free from any coordinated pressure tactics. The clarification underscores ongoing tensions surrounding Duterte's impeachment complaint filed in the House of Representatives.