Impeachment driven by politics weakens economy – GatchalianMANILA, 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. 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. 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. Before this ruling, an impeachment case is automatically transmitted to the Senate upon the endorsement of one-third of House members.

Source: Philippine Star January 25, 2026 16:36 UTC