Manila: The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has called out the Makabayan bloc lawmakers for their criticism of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s request to Congress to refrain from filing an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
According to Philippines News Agency, the NTF-ELCAC released a statement on Sunday, asserting that the Makabayan Bloc has consistently been at the forefront of creating political instability. The statement accused the bloc of opportunism and questioned their motives, describing their condemnation of President Marcos for allegedly intervening in impeachment plans against Vice President Duterte as dubious.
The NTF-ELCAC highlighted the bloc’s dual approach, calling for the Vice President’s impeachment while criticizing the President for not supporting it, as contradictory. The statement likened the bloc’s reaction to that of a “brat throwing a fit,” noting that they appeared upset by President Marcos’ decision to distance h
imself from their agenda.
Furthermore, the task force questioned why the Chief Executive’s stance should influence impeachment proceedings if the process is genuinely about justice and accountability. The NTF-ELCAC suggested that Makabayan’s call for legislative independence seems insincere when they simultaneously seek executive endorsement for their plans.
The NTF-ELCAC also portrayed President Marcos’ appeal to abandon impeachment efforts as a call for national unity, a goal it claims the Makabayan bloc seems resistant to. It accused the bloc of exploiting political instability and divisions among government branches, actions which undermine the very institutions they claim to support.
The task force emphasized that a stable political environment is crucial for effective governance, but suggested that the Makabayan bloc’s actions only exacerbate divisions within the political system. It argued that the bloc’s outrage at the President’s alleged interference is a classic example of using tension for polit
ical advantage, while projecting themselves as protectors of constitutional separation of powers.