By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday distanced himself from the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that the executive branch has no involvement in the matter.
“The executive cannot have a hand in the impeachment. Walang role ang executive sa impeachment (The executive does not have a role in the impeachment),” Marcos said during a press briefing at Malacañang.
Marcos also maintained that both the House of Representatives and the Senate had no choice but to address the impeachment complaints.
“Once the impeachment complaints were filed, the House and the Senate, they have no choice. Nakatali na ang kamay nila (Their hands are tied). They have to do this and they have to do it in recognition of again the complaints that have been filed. So, iyon ang nangyari ngayon (that’s what happened now),” he said.
In light of the developments, Marcos mentioned that he would be open to calling a special session of Congress should the Senate request it.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte with 215 lawmakers signing to endorse the complaint to the upper chamber.
The Senate, however, went on a break without tackling the impeachment bid.
Marcos also commented on his son, Sandro Marcos, who also serves as Ilocos Norte representative, saying that he only advised his son to support the process of the lower chamber and fulfill his duties as a lawmaker.
“Sabi ko sa kanya, (I told him) ‘the process has already begun. It’s your duty now to support the process. So, do your duty.’ That’s what I told him. You are constitutionally mandated to support that process. You’re a congressman so do your duty. I didn’t know he’d be the first to sign,” the President said.
The Chief Executive, meanwhile, expressed confidence that the current political developments would not affect the country’s economic momentum.
The seven Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President include the conspiracy to assassinate the First Couple and the House Speaker; malversation of confidential funds; bribery and corruption during Duterte’s tenure as Education chief; unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets; and involvement in extrajudicial killings in Davao City; destabilization, insurrection, and public disorder efforts. (PNA)
