Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday denied any involvement in the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing he has repeatedly made his position clear: he does not support the move.
“How many times do I have to say that? I didn’t want impeachment,” Marcos told reporters after attending the 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.
He emphasized that the effort to oust Duterte did not come from his allies in the House of Representatives.
“Lahat ng kakampi ko sa Kongreso, hindi nag-file ng impeachment complaint,” he said. “’Yung mga nag-file, hindi mo masasabing kaya kong utusan o pagsabihan.So, why do I have to keep explaining that I didn’t want impeachment?” he added.
[Translation: My allies in the Congress did not file the complaint. For those who filed the complaint, I don’t think I can order them to initiate the move]
The president pointed out that the impeachment process is entirely under the control of Congress.
“They will have to decide between the two Houses how they are going to conduct this,” he said, recalling his experience as a senator during the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012.
Marcos also reminded the public that his office is part of the executive branch and has no authority over the legislative branch, which is tasked by the Constitution to handle impeachment cases.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero formally invited the House prosecutors to the resumption of session on June 2, when they are expected to present the Articles of Impeachment containing seven charges against Duterte.
The Senate is scheduled to convene as an impeachment court the following day, June 3, where it can begin issuing summons and require the vice president to respond to the allegations.
