MANILA – Members of the House of Representatives prosecution panel rejected Vice President Sara Duterte’s assertion that government officials have been consumed by politics, saying the administration continues to pursue economic programs and deliver public services even as her impeachment trial moves forward.

The prosecutors were responding to Duterte’s call for government officials to set aside political interests and instead focus on peace and order, the economy, and public service.

During a press briefing, Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said it was inaccurate to claim that the government is preoccupied with politics, pointing to ongoing initiatives aimed at addressing economic concerns.

“Hindi rin naman po ito totoo (This is also not true),” Ridon said.

He said the government continues to implement programs intended to improve the lives of Filipinos, including measures to increase wages in various regions and ensure that the country’s economic growth benefits more households.

“Marami pong iba’t ibang interventions na ginagawa ng pamahalaan para tutukan ang iba’t ibang mga pang-ekonomikong usapin na kinakaharap ng ating bayan (There are various interventions being done by the government to focus on different economic issues being encountered by our country),” Ridon said.

According to Ridon, the government is also working to ensure that the benefits of the country’s transition to upper middle-income status are felt by ordinary Filipinos.

“Hindi po totoo na consumed by politics lang po ‘yung ginagawa ng ating pamahalaan. May aktwal na pagtugon doon sa mga batayang usapin at tingin ko nakatutok po ‘yung pamahalaan sa mga bagay po na ito (It is not true that our government is consumed by politics. There is an actual response to basic issues and in my view, the government is focused on these things),” he said.

Meanwhile, Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said the public has long been waiting for Duterte to directly respond to the allegations against her instead of accusing the government of engaging in politics.

He also urged the Vice President to explain the alleged PHP6.7-billion transaction cited in records released by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

“Matagal na rin pong nag-aantay ang ating mga kababayan sa sagot niya kung saan po nanggaling ‘yung transaction na nagkakahalaga ng PHP6.7 billion na inilabas po ng AMLC. ‘Yan po muna ang sagutin niya bago po siya magsabi na kami ay namumulitika lamang (Our countrymen for a long time have been waiting for her answer on where those transactions amounting to PHP6.7 billion released by the AMLC came from. She should answer that first before accusing us of politicking),” Chua said.