MANILA — "Maliwanag pa sa sikat ng araw."

This was the response of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez when he was asked whether Vice President Leni Robredo is involved with the impeachment complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte.

Speaking to DZMM on Saturday, Alvarez said Robredo is rushing to have Duterte impeached because she fears that the Supreme Court may order a recount of votes in the vice presidential elections last May.

"Kinakabahan ito, nagmamadali baka payagan ng Supreme Court bilangin yung boto noong nakaraang halalan and alam niya deep in her heart tagalid siya doon," he said.

(She is nervous. She wants to speed things up because the Supreme Court may go ahead and allow a recount of votes in the last election and she knows deep in her heart, if that happens, her chances are slim.)

"Kaya nagmamadali sila, gumagawa sila ng paraan ngayon para mapaalis ang ating pangulo at pumalit siya bilang pangulo ng Pilipinas."

(She's in a rush because they're looking for ways to remove our president and have her take his place.)

Alvarez again blasted Robredo's video message to the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, calling it a "very irresponsible and stupid move."

"Kauna-unahan sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas na mayroong isang
mataas na opisyal na nagpadala ng video doon para sirain o siraan ang ating bansa," Alvarez said.

(This is the very first time in the history of the Philippines that a high-ranking official sent a video there to destroy the reputation of our country.)

He said Robredo did not realize the implications of the message, which could hamper the country's economy and tourism.

Alvarez on Friday said he is considering filing an impeachment complaint against Robredo for alleged "betrayal of public trust," which he says was what the video message did.

He added that he has yet to consult his lawyers to ensure that if he does file the case, it would be "solid and convincing."

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella on Saturday said Alvarez's call to impeach Robredo is "within his purview" and that evaluation of the possible grounds for impeachment and decision to file the case are up to the House of Representatives.