President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is ready to face any impeachment complaint that may be filed against him, Malacañang said on Monday, amid reports that some groups are allegedly moving to initiate such a case.
In a press conference, Palace Press Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President respects the Constitution and the country’s democratic processes and is prepared for any eventuality.
She also stressed that Marcos did not steal public funds and, in fact, was the one who ordered investigations into allegedly anomalous flood control projects, reiterating that the President has no involvement in the so-called “Mary Grace Piattos” issue.
“Ang pangulo ay handa naman sa lahat ng pagkakataon dahil siya ay gumagalang sa Konstitusyon, sa proseso," Castro said.
“Ang Pangulo, unang-una, hindi po siya nagnakaw ng pera. Pangalawa, siya ang nagpapaimbestiga sa mga maanomalayang flood control projects. Pangatlo, wala po siyang Mary Grace Piattos,” she added.
According to Castro, no impeachment complaint has actually been filed, making preparations unnecessary at this point.
“Wala pa ang compalin paano makakapagready ang Pangulo?” she said.
Castro also pointed to reports that individuals who allegedly reached out to lawmakers to endorse a possible impeachment complaint may be supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte, including members of the Duterte Diehard Supporters (DDS).
Addressing supporters of the Vice President who are reportedly considering filing an impeachment complaint, Castro said it would be better for them to first address issues surrounding their own political figure.
“Mas maganda po siguro, bago magturo at tumingin sa iba, ay tulungan muna nila ang kanilang idolo. Ang impeachment complaint ay hindi pang-media lamang, hindi ito panakot lamang. Mas maganda na masagot ang mga isyu dahil sa sinasabi nila ang paglalabas ‘diumano ng balak na mga supporter ng mga Duterte na magsampa ng impeachment," Castro said
"Sinasabi ng iba, ito ay para makaiwas ‘di umano ang bise presidente sa mga isyu ng paglustay, at di umano’y pagtanggap ng pondo, milyon milyong pondo mula sa mga drug lords. Mas maganda na masagot iyan,” she noted.
Castro added that the President remains confident that he has the full support of lawmakers, especially since he has not committed any illegal act or wrongdoing in the performance of his duties.
Earlier, House Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Caloocan 2nd District Representative Edgar Erice revealed that President Marcos may face an impeachment complaint.
The lawmaker said certain individuals had approached him to endorse such a complaint, citing alleged betrayal of public trust.
“Mukhang exciting ang House sa Pebrero dahil palagay ko hindi lang ang impeachment kay VP Sara ay nauulinigan ko. Meron din mga kongresista na mag-file ng impeachment laban naman kay PBBM. Kaya dalawa, dalawa ang abangan natin,” the lawmaker said during Isyung Pambayan on Sunday.
