Marcos hands-off in VP Sara impeachment raps – Palace

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PCO file photo)

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not intervene in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, Malacañang said Monday amid claims that the Chief Executive is responsible for delays in the process.

In a statement, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin emphasized that the power to initiate and act on impeachment complaints is solely within the authority of the House of Representatives.

He said the President respects the authority of Congress as a co-equal branch of government.

“The power to initiate and act on impeachment complaints is the sole prerogative of the House of Representatives,” Bersamin said.

“Out of respect for institutions, the President will not interfere in a matter over which a co-equal branch has exclusive jurisdiction,” he added.

Marcos previously discouraged lawmakers from pursuing Duterte’s impeachment, noting that it would be counterproductive and is just a waste of time.

Duterte faces three impeachment complaints over alleged misconduct and misuse of millions of government funds when she served as education secretary.

Lawmakers have yet to tackle these complaints just days before Congress adjourns next week before the May midterm elections.