For signing impeachment complaint: Cebu solons  face backlash

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano lawmakers, among the 215 members of the House of Representatives who signed the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, have faced significant backlash and criticism from the public, particularly from Duterte's supporters.

After the names of the members of Congress who signed the impeachment of the vice president were revealed on February 5, the public took to social media to express their mixed reactions, with many expressing dismay.

While some supported the move by the congressmen, arguing that Duterte should be held accountable for her alleged misuse of public funds and corruption, many others criticized those who backed the impeachment.

In Cebu, the nine congressmen who signed the impeachment—Cebu City 2nd District Representative Eduardo Rama, Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Representative Cindi Chan, Mandaue City Lone District Representative Lolypop Ouano-Dizon, First District Representative Rhea Mae Gullas of Cebu Province, Second District Representative Edsel Galeos, Fourth District Representative Janice Salimbangon, Fifth District Representative Duke Frasco, Sixth District Congresswoman Daphne Lagon, and Seventh District Congressman Peter John Calderon—were criticized by enraged netizens.

Recent and previous Facebook posts of legislators such as Gullas and Chan have been inundated with angry reactions from netizens who support the vice president, labeling the lawmakers as "traitors" due to their prior alliance with Duterte.

Old photos of Gullas dining with Duterte, captioned “Atm: dinner with idol,” have resurfaced on social media, drawing further disappointment and frustration from netizens.

The intense backlash has led the congresswomen to disable the comment sections on their Facebook posts.

Rep. Duke Frasco, once a known ally of Duterte and whose wife, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, was formerly the vice president's spokesperson, also faced criticism from Duterte supporters.

Netizens flooded Frasco's Facebook posts, questioning his loyalty and friendship with Duterte, describing his decision a "wrong move."

As of this writing, none of the Cebuano legislators who voted to impeach Duterte have explained their decision.

Third District Congressman Pablo John “PJ” Garcia, who did not sign the impeachment, released a statement declining to comment on the issue.

 “Out of respect for colleagues who have different views, I will not be making a comment. Thank you,” Garcia said.

Garcia and Cebu City First District Representative Rachel Marguerite Del Mar were the only lawmakers from Cebu who did not vote to impeach the vice president.

The decision by the majority of the House of Representatives to impeach the Vice President did not just infuriate the Duterte supporters.

Many have also criticized national officials, particularly the camps of President "Bongbong" Marcos and Duterte. During their campaign, both leaders promised to unite the country but have instead contributed to division.

“Never have I seen the country so divided under a vision that promised to unite,” one Cebuano media personality, Andrea Pateña-Matheu, said. – ATO (CEBU NEWS)