Manila 2nd District Representative Rolando Valeriano has strongly denied allegations made by Davao City Representative Paolo “Polong” Duterte that lawmakers who voted in favor of impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte were bribed or intimidated. Valeriano asserted that if the accusations were true, Rep. Duterte should present clear evidence to support his claims.
Valeriano questions Duterte's motives
Valeriano expressed surprise that only Polong has been vocal about the issue, while other lawmakers allied with the Duterte administration also benefited from projects. As the brother of the vice president facing impeachment, Valeriano noted that it is inevitable to view Polong's actions as a defense of his sister's interests.
Lawmakers' vote based on evidence
Despite the accusations, Valeriano maintained that the congressmen's vote was based on evidence and their duty to hold accountable any official who violates the law. He emphasized that projects are not rewards but obligations that depend on the needs of the district represented by a lawmaker.
