Malacañang clarified on Tuesday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had no role in the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin emphasized that the move was entirely initiated by civil society groups, independent of the President’s influence.
Bersamin stated that endorsing an impeachment complaint is solely the prerogative of any member of the House of Representatives. “The Office of the President is not involved. The President’s stance on this issue has always been clear,” he reiterated.
The Impeachment Complaint
The complaint, filed by private individuals on Monday, accuses Vice President Duterte of 24 violations, including betrayal of public trust and culpable violations of the Constitution. Akbayan Party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña endorsed the 50-page document, which was crafted by various religious leaders, sectoral representatives, and families affected by the drug war.
The filing followed Duterte’s controversial statement last week, where she claimed to have considered hiring someone to kill President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez if an alleged plot against her succeeded. Duterte later clarified that her remarks were taken out of context, denying any threat and claiming she only intended to highlight potential risks to her security.
President Marcos: Focus on National Priorities
President Marcos previously urged Congress not to support any impeachment moves, arguing that it would only distract the government from addressing more pressing issues. “This impeachment won’t improve even a single Filipino’s life. Let’s not waste time on it,” Marcos said.
Senate Leaders Weigh In
Senate President Francis Escudero called for restraint among senators, urging them not to comment on the impeachment case to maintain impartiality. He reminded his colleagues that the Senate, acting as an impeachment court, must preserve its integrity and the public’s trust by avoiding bias.
Meanwhile, Sen. JV Ejercito warned that the impeachment process could harm the country’s image, signaling political instability to the international community and deterring foreign investors. He described impeachment as “divisive” and more political than legal.
Impeachment in the Philippines: A Political Process
Impeachment is a constitutional process where Congress charges high-ranking officials with offenses. If the House endorses the complaint, the Senate conducts a trial. If convicted, the official can be removed from office or face other penalties.
Despite the political nature of impeachment, Escudero stressed the importance of upholding justice and fairness throughout the process. “The Senate must ensure that every step adheres to the Rule of Law. This is what our people expect,” he said.
Harry Roque: No Surprise
Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque said he wasn’t surprised by the impeachment complaints against Vice President Duterte. The case continues to stir debates, highlighting the political tensions within the country’s leadership.
