Marcos criticized for meddling in Duterte’s impeachment

Lawmakers from the House of Representatives' Makabayan bloc criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for interfering in impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

The bloc emphasized that Congress must maintain its independence to investigate alleged fund misuse by public officials and condemned Marcos's interference as a 'brazen attempt to influence Congress,' which violates constitutional provisions on the separation of powers.

Marcos confirmed he asked House leaders not to proceed with the impeachment, citing it would not improve people's lives, but Makabayan urged fellow legislators to uphold Congress’s duty to serve as a check on potential abuses and ensure no official is above the law.

The group maintained that the probe into Duterte's confidential funds and irregularities in the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education warrants serious consideration and demands thorough investigation.

Three House leaders reiterated that impeachment proceedings against Duterte are not their priority, but they noted that the House has a constitutional duty to act on properly filed complaints, ensuring fair and transparent deliberation.

Khonghun emphasized that while the majority bloc does not plan to file an impeachment complaint, they cannot strip off the rights of other members or ordinary citizens to do so.