Malacañang slams ‘copycat’ claims linking Marcos to VP Sara impeachment

Metro Manila, Philippines - Malacañang on Tuesday rejected accusations that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was interfering in the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte, slamming critics for spreading “intrigues” and comparing them to “second-rate copycats.”

In a Palace press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed claims by some lawmakers and groups suggesting that Marcos is trying to influence the outcome of the impeachment proceedings, which are now in the hands of the Senate.

“Sana po ay huwag ipahid sa Pangulo kung anuman po ang magiging desisyon ng Senado diyan,” Castro said.

[Translation: We hope they don’t drag the President into whatever decision the Senate makes.]

She was responding to concerns raised by progressive groups and lawmakers, including Representative Raoul Manuel, who alleged that Marcos was sending “signals” to derail the process.

In a separate interview, Manuel criticized the President, saying: “Okay lang ba iilang makapangyarihan na ibaba ang standards pagdating sa pagpapanagot ng mga kurakot, kasi baka pare-pareho lang din pala sila ng mga kurakot na pino-protektahan ang isa’t isa.”

[Translation: Is it okay for a few powerful people to lower the standards when it comes to holding the corrupt accountable, just because maybe they’re all protecting each other?]

But Castro fired back, calling Manuel’s statements baseless and theatrical.

“Magbigay siya ng respeto sa Pangulo by not making and creating such kind of intrigues… Intriga po ito. Alam naman natin kung sino ang eksperto sa paggawa ng intriga at pagplanta ng ebidensiya, so huwag niya na po sanang gayahin ito.”

[Translation: He should show respect to the President by not creating this kind of intrigue. This is intrigue. We already know who the real experts are in creating intrigue and planting evidence—he should not try to copy that.]

“Do not be like a second-rate trying-hard copycat.” she added, borrowing a line from a famous Filipino film.

Castro clarified that President Marcos never opposed the impeachment process.

“Wala po siyang sinabi na ayaw po niya ng impeachment process. Maliwanag po noong tinanong ito sa Kuala Lumpur. Ang sabi niya: ‘Let the process take its course.’”

[Translation: He never said he was against the impeachment process. It was clear when he was asked in Kuala Lumpur—he said: ‘Let the process take its course.’”]

The PCO official further emphasized that Marcos is respecting the separation of powers and has no intention of influencing the Senate.

“Gugustuhin po ba ni Representative Manuel na lumabas na ang Pangulo ay nagdidikta sa Senado?”

[Translation: Would Representative Manuel really want it to appear that the President is dictating to the Senate?]

She added that allowing such a narrative would only undermine the Senate’s independence, turning it into a “rubber stamp.”

“Sa ganitong klase ng isyu ng impeachment process, huwag na po natin ikabit sa Pangulo.” Castro reiterated.

[Translation: In this kind of issue, like the impeachment process, let’s not involve the President.]

Vice President Duterte was impeached by the House over alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds. The articles of impeachment have been transmitted to the Senate, which will determine whether to acquit or convict the Vice President.