Malacañang clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has no role in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that the matter is now entirely under the jurisdiction of the Senate and prosecutors.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President initially opposed the idea of impeachment, preferring other legal avenues to ensure accountability. However, with the House of Representatives formally impeaching Duterte on February 5—backed by over 200 lawmakers—the situation is now beyond the President’s control.
“The President respects due process. His stance was more of a suggestion, not an intervention,” Castro stated during a Palace briefing.
Duterte faces charges including betrayal of public trust, constitutional violations, corruption, and high crimes, stemming mainly from the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds and threats against key political figures, including the President and his family.
Castro emphasized that the impeachment process is a legislative function, and the Executive will not interfere. “The process must run its course according to the law,” she said, adding that ultimate accountability lies with the people.
Vice President Duterte has expressed eagerness for the trial in the 20th Congress, stating she “wants a bloodbath.”