MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not involve himself in the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, Malacañang announced on Monday (03 Feb 2025).
This came in response to claims that Marcos may be responsible for delays in the process.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarified that the power to initiate and act on impeachment complaints rests solely with the House of Representatives.
He emphasized that the President respects Congress’s role as a co-equal branch of government.
“The power to initiate and act on impeachment complaints is the sole prerogative of the House of Representatives,” Bersamin stated, stressing the President’s hands-off approach.
Marcos had previously advised lawmakers to avoid pursuing Duterte’s impeachment, suggesting it would be unproductive and a waste of time.
Duterte is facing three impeachment complaints related to alleged misconduct and the misuse of government funds during her tenure as education secretary.
However, lawmakers have yet to address the complaints, with Congress set to adjourn next week ahead of the May midterm elections.
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