Carpio: Duterte’s ‘betrayal of nat’l interest’ over WPS an impeachable offense

MANILA, Philippines — While retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio sees President Rodrigo Duterte’s actions regarding the issue of West Philippine Sea as an impeachable offense, he does not see it prospering.

Carpio said Duterte’s actions on the issue of the West Philippine Sea and the maritime dispute over China is considered a “betrayal of public trust” and a “betrayal of national interest.”

“I agree completely,” Carpio said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel’s Headstart on Monday when asked about whether Duterte’s actions are to be considered an impeachable offense.

“It’s betrayal of public trust, betrayal of national interest,” he added.

Nonetheless, Carpio said that impeachment “is a numbers game” and that Duterte has control over the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“He has the majority, so it will never prosper. So, that’s a problem because there is a failure in the checking mechanism. Congress should check the President but Congress isn’t doing his job,” Carpio said.

In 2017, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano filed a supplemental impeachment complaint against Duterte in connection with his foreign policy over the West Philippine Sea, Panatag Shoal, and the Benham Rise.

This, however, did not prosper.

JE