The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) called on members of the House of Representatives to vote in favour of the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte during today’s expected sponsorship, debates, and voting on the impeachment complaint, stressing that accountability must prevail amid worsening economic hardship faced by farmers and ordinary Filipinos.

“While farmers struggle with low farmgate prices, landlessness, debt, and rising costs of production, billions of pesos in public funds are being squandered through confidential funds and questionable transactions. The people have every right to demand accountability,” said KMP Chairperson Emeritus Rafael Mariano.

According to KMP, the impeachment proceedings are not mere political maneuvering but an important constitutional process to hold high-ranking officials accountable for corruption, abuse of public funds, and betrayal of public trust.

KMP cited allegations involving hundreds of millions of pesos in questionable confidential fund expenditures under the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) during Duterte’s term as Education Secretary, including findings by the Commission on Audit (COA) questioning disbursements and issuing notices for the return of public funds.

“The evidence and testimonies presented before Congress cannot simply be brushed aside. The impeachment trial must proceed so the public can know the full truth behind the misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery allegations, and the culture of impunity associated with the Duterte political dynasty,” Mariano said.

The peasant group also condemned reported efforts by pro-Duterte forces to pressure lawmakers into blocking or delaying the impeachment process.

KMP stressed that accountability should extend beyond Duterte and include all officials implicated in corruption scandals, including allies of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

The group called on lawmakers to prioritize public interest over political alliances and dynastic interests by voting to transmit the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate and allowing the impeachment court to proceed without delay.

“At a time of widespread hunger, soaring food prices, and chronic neglect of agriculture, every peso stolen from the people is a direct attack on farmers, workers, and Filipinos. Stolen public funds must be recovered and redirected to social services, agricultural support, and disaster relief,” Mariano, former Agrarian Reform Secretary, added.

KMP also urged the public to remain vigilant, closely monitor the impeachment proceedings, join mass actions, and continue demanding justice and accountability.

“Hindi dapat mamili sa pagitan ng dalawang paksyon ng mga Duterte at Marcos. Parehong may pananagutan ang mga dinastiyang ito na nagpapayaman habang naghihirap ang mamamayan. Kailangang magkaisa at kumilos ang taumbayan para sa tunay na pananagutan at pagbabago ng bulok na sistemang pinaghaharian ng korapsyon at dinastiyang pulitikal,” Mariano said.

“The Filipino people must continue demanding justice and accountability from all corrupt officials. Higit pa sa impeachment trial, dapat ipagpatuloy ang laban kontra korapsyon, dinastiyang pulitikal, at sa bulok na sistemang nagpapahirap sa mamamayan,” Mariano concluded. ###