Malacañang on Tuesday clarified that the Office of the President was not involved in the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte in the House of Representatives.
In a statement, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the filing was “clearly the complainants’ independent initiative,” noting that the endorsement of such a complaint is “the prerogative of any Member of the House of Representatives.”
“The President’s earlier statement on the matter is unambiguous,” Bersamin added, emphasizing that President Ferdinand Marcos has previously distanced himself from the issue.
In a separate interview, Bersamin said the administration will also not encourage the filing of impeachment against VP Duterte.
“The President already made a clear and unambiguous statement that he will not support an effort to impeach because it is distracting. We have many needs to address that are important for the country,” he said.
“The President has been very clear. Any suggestion that it is political, that it was instigated by our side, no. That is never true,” Bersamin added.
A coalition of groups filed an impeachment complaint against VP Duterte on Monday, accusing her of corruption and misconduct.
The complaint was filed with the House Secretary General’s Office and endorsed by Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña. Still, it is unclear if it will receive the support of a third of lawmakers required to proceed to a Senate trial.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, Malacañang maintained that it would not interfere with the process, leaving the matter entirely in the hands of the House.
The Vice President has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated.
