NSC calls Sara Duterte impeachment complaint political opportunism

National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya labeled the Makabayan bloc's impeachment initiative against Vice President Sara Duterte as "political opportunism" aimed at gaining mileage ahead of the 2025 elections.

Malaya stated that the impeachment is a distraction from pressing national issues, to which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had previously cautioned, saying such proceedings would "tie Congress down" and "waste time."

The second impeachment complaint, filed on December 4 by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and over 70 other progressive groups, alleges misuse of confidential funds by the Vice President's office.

A previous impeachment complaint was filed on December 2 by civil society organizations, including Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña.

In response, Bayan chairperson Teddy Casiño questioned when holding the Dutertes accountable for their wrongdoings became politically opportunistic, arguing that impeaching a "powerful and vengeful vice president" puts their lives and reputations on the line against potential "malicious intrigue, social media bashing, political persecution and even extrajudicial killing."