MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday (06 Feb 2025) clarified that the executive branch has no involvement in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“The executive cannot have a hand in the impeachment. Walang role ang executive sa impeachment,” Marcos stated during a press briefing at Malacañang.
He also emphasized that the House of Representatives and Senate must address the complaints after they were filed. “Once the impeachment complaints were filed, the House and the Senate, they have no choice. Nakatali na ang kamay nila (Their hands are tied). They have to do this,” he added.
Marcos noted that he would consider calling a special session if requested by the Senate.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte, with 215 lawmakers endorsing the complaint to the Senate. However, the Senate has yet to address the issue, as it is currently on break.
The President also commented on his son, Sandro Marcos, Ilocos Norte representative, explaining that he advised his son to support the impeachment process and fulfill his duties as a lawmaker. “I told him, ‘the process has already begun. It’s your duty now to support the process,'” he said.
Despite the political developments, Marcos expressed confidence that the situation would not harm the country’s economic momentum.
The impeachment charges against VP Duterte include conspiracy to assassinate the First Couple and the House Speaker, malversation of confidential funds, bribery, corruption, unexplained wealth, and involvement in extrajudicial killings, among others.
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