Malacañang unfazed by Marcos impeachment threat
Metro Manila, Philippines - Malacañang brushed off Cavite Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga’s plan to file an impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., saying the administration remains focused on governance and not political theatrics.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Thursday, Oct. 9, that the Palace is unbothered by Barzaga’s announcement, noting that impeachment proceedings are within the jurisdiction of Congress.
“Makarating o hindi makarating, ito naman po ay trabaho po iyan at saklaw po iyan ng House of Representatives,” Castro said.
[Translation: Whether or not it reaches the president, this matter falls under the authority and function of the House of Representatives.]
Barzaga said in a vlog on Oct. 8 that he had prepared an impeachment complaint against the president, citing corruption “emanating from Malacañang.”
Castro cautioned against baseless accusations.
“Mahirap po kasing magsalita ng walang ebidensiya. Madaling magbintang, madaling magsabi kung anu-ano. Kung walang ebidensiya, hindi dapat paniwalaan,” she said.
[Translation: It’s hard to speak without evidence. It’s easy to accuse and say things, but without proof, such claims should not be believed.]
The president is busy
Asked whether the president was paying attention to Barzaga’s threat, Castro said Marcos was too busy working to be distracted.
“Sa panahon ngayon na marami pong ginagawa po ang Pangulo, hindi po pinapansin ang mga ganiyang klaseng usapin,” she said.
[Translation: At a time when the president has so much work to do, he’s not paying attention to such issues.]
“Busy ang pangulo sa pagtulong sa mga kababayan natin, maraming trabaho para maiangat pa ang Pilipinas, hindi para ibaba ang dignidad ng ating bansa,” she added.
[Translation: The President is busy helping our people and uplifting the country, not dragging down its dignity.]
Pressed further about how Marcos reacted to Barzaga’s statements, Castro replied: “Just a smile.”
Barzaga said he was filing the complaint for betrayal of public trust. If filed and endorsed, it would mark the first impeachment complaint against Marcos since he took office in 2022.
