Duterte Youth to file impeachment rap vs Marcos next week after failed attempt

Metro Manila, Philippines - Duterte Youth Party-list chairman Ronald Cardema said they will file the impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. next week after an unsuccessful attempt.

Cardema and his wife, Marie, went to the House of Representatives on Thursday to file the complaint but House Secretary General Reginald Velasco was not there to accept the document.

“Our office was closed today due to the HRep (House of Representatives) Strat Plan seminar attended by all the OSG (Office of the Secretary General) staff,” Velasco told NewsWatch Plus in a message early Friday, May 9.

Cardema said they are filing the complaint because Marcos allowed former President Rodrigo Duterte to be arrested by the International Criminal Court over crimes against humanity linked to his drug war.

Based on the copy of the Cardemas’ impeachment complaint, they cited culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust as grounds.

While the Palace recognizes the right to file, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the move is baseless.

She explained the government only complied with its commitment with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

“Kung mayroon mang sariling interes patungkol dito, nanaisin pa ba nila na hindi sundin ang batas, hindi ipagpatuloy ang commitment or talikuran ang commitment sa Interpol para sa mga taong inaakusahan ng crimes against humanity?” Castro said in a briefing.

[Translation: If there is a personal interest here, would they prefer to not follow the law, turn away from its commitment with the Interpol just for a person accused of crimes against humanity?]

The most recent impeachment of an official is Duterte’s daughter Vice President Sara Duterte over graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes.