Claims by Batangas Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste regarding increased allocations for lawmakers supporting Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment have been dismissed by two fellow lawmakers.
Rep. Leila de Lima of the Mamamayang Liberal party-list stated that these allegations are unfounded and aim to distract from serious issues surrounding the impeachment.
She emphasized, "There is no basis; no one talked to me, let alone gave me any incentives, monetary or otherwise."
De Lima urged accountability from those making such claims, asserting that these tactics only serve to undermine the integrity of the House.
During a recent session, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor also refuted the allegations, stating that they are not true.
Sen. Imee Marcos had suggested that lawmakers might receive financial incentives for voting in favor of the impeachment, a claim Leviste echoed.
Leviste sought clarification on whether lawmakers supporting the impeachment would receive up to P20 million, questioning the fairness of such allocations.
Defensor categorically denied any such statements, reinforcing that no one should lose their benefits due to their voting stance.
Ultimately, the House voted overwhelmingly in favor of impeaching Duterte, with 257 lawmakers supporting the motion.
The impeachment proceedings were based on four grounds, including allegations of graft and corruption, as well as betrayal of public trust.
The overwhelming vote exceeded the one-third requirement for impeachment under the Constitution, indicating substantial support for the action against Duterte.