Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. denied having any role in the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, and that lawmakers just exercised their constitutional mandate.
The executive cannot have a hand in the impeachment.,” said Marcos during a press conference on Thursday, Feb. 6.The chief executive acknowledged having discussions with the leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate and said he cannot dictate their actions once an impeachment complaint is filed.Of course, did we discuss it with the Speaker, did we discuss it with the other congressmen? Of course. And I asked, ‘Anong plano ninyo? Ano ba talagang gusto ninyong gawin?’ And now, it’s here, we can no longer avoid it,” he said.[Translation: Of course, did we discuss it with the Speaker, did we discuss it with the other congressmen? Of course. And I asked, ‘What is your plan? What exactly do you want to do?’ And now, it’s here, we can no longer avoid it.]Marcos said he believes that, while he had opposed impeachment, the decision of some lawmakers to file a complaint was not an act of defiance.In their belief, it’s something that must be done. Even though I said, ‘Sana huwag na’ [I hope it doesn’t happen]. ‘No, we can’t, we can’t just let this pass.’ That’s their thinking. So, they proceeded, and I don’t see that as defiance. I see that as them expressing what they feel is right,” he added.
First signatory
The president admitted that he was surprised to learn that his son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, was the first to sign the articles of impeachment, which was supported by over 200 lawmakers.I told Cong. Sandro, I told him, ‘The process has already begun. So, it’s your duty now to support that process. Do your duty.’ That’s what I told him, ‘Do your duty. You have to support the process,'” said Marcos.
