President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s decision not to intervene in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte has been praised by House prosecutors as a move that upholds the independence of government branches.
Iloilo Representative Lorenz Defensor, one of the 11 House prosecutors in the case, said Marcos’ stance demonstrates respect for the Senate’s role in the upcoming impeachment trial. Speaking during the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, Marcos clarified that he never supported the impeachment and doesn’t intend to influence the proceedings.
Defensor stressed that the President’s non-interference ensures that the 24 senator-judges can decide based on evidence and not political pressure. He emphasized the importance of an objective trial, free from influence by the executive branch.
Vice President Duterte faces serious charges including betrayal of public trust, constitutional violations, and misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds. The House impeached her on February 5 with over 200 lawmakers backing the complaint.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Duterte has declared she is ready for trial, describing it as a “bloodbath” and revealing that her legal team is in full preparation mode.
To convict her, prosecutors will need at least 16 votes from the 24-member Senate.