Malacañang on Friday reiterated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s opposition to the impeachment process, emphasizing that his stance should not be interpreted as resistance to transparency or accountability in government.
During a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro responded to criticism suggesting the President’s consistent statements against impeachment reflect a reluctance to uphold accountability.
“The President’s statement was clear… He doesn’t want impeachment because there might be other legal procedures if someone should be held accountable,” Castro said.
She explained that Mr. Marcos has repeatedly emphasized the importance of due process and legal mechanisms, particularly now that Vice President Sara Duterte is set to face an impeachment proceeding in the Senate.
The PCO official stressed that the President’s statements should be understood within the full context in which they are made.
“In Kuala Lumpur, he told the press that he is not one to back away from a fight… And just today, in the context of Arnie Teves’ return, he reaffirmed that lawlessness will not go unpunished,” Castro said.
She maintained that the President will not interfere in the ongoing impeachment proceedings, underscoring that it is a matter for prosecutors and the Senate.
“Impeachment trial is not the business of the Executive… What the President wants is for the process to proceed and for due process to be respected. The law must be followed,” Castro said.
She called on the public to allow the legal process to unfold and to judge the actions of officials involved in the proceedings.
“The people will be the ones to watch and judge… The senators, as judges, and the prosecutors must fulfill their roles according to the law,” Castro concluded.
