Malacañang on Monday clarified that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is not considering the possible filing of a new impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, according to Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro.
In a press conference, Castro said the issue of impeachment is not currently a concern of the President, stressing, however, that Marcos maintains a consistent position that anyone who violates the law should be held accountable.
“Sa ngayon, hindi pa nagiging isyu sa Pangulo ang impeachment laban po sa Bise Presidente. Pero ang Pangulo kasi sinabi na noon pa, kung dapat managot, ay dapat panagutin. Wala dapat sinisino. So in general, lahat na maaaring may kasalanan ay dapat lamang managot sa batas,” Castro said.
Castro reiterated that Marcos believes in equal accountability under the law and has not wavered from this stance.
The Palace statement came amid remarks by House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, who earlier underscored the need to ensure the safety of detained former military agent Ramil Madriaga, who has described himself as the Vice President's alleged “bagman.”
De Lima earlier suggested that plunder and graft complaints could potentially be used as grounds for an impeachment complaint against the Vice President once the one-year constitutional bar lapses. She also cited allegations involving large sums of money and Madriaga’s submission of an affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman.
Asked how seriously Malacañang views the allegations, Castro said any complaint supported by evidence should be properly investigated, regardless of who is involved.
“Kung sino man ang makakapagbigay ng anumang ebidensya laban sa sino mang public servant at ito ay may patungkol sa anomalia, paglulustay, pagnanakaw ng pondo ng bayan, dapat lamang pong maimbestigahan. Siguraduhin lamang po na ito ay hindi pamumulitika. Kailangan managot ang dapat managot,” she said.
Castro also addressed questions on whether Marcos is aware of allegations that funds linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) or illegal drugs were allegedly used during the 2022 campaign, when Marcos and Duterte ran as running mates.
“Wala pong personal knowledge ang Pangulo patungkol sa anumang maaaring naging transaksyon ng Vice Presidente sa mga POGO operators or sa drug lords,” Castro emphasized.
“Wala po siya masasabi patungkol po doon,” she added.
Earlier, Madriaga submitted his affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman, which will evaluate the claims and determine appropriate action.
