Malacañang on Sunday dismissed reports of a planned impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., calling the claims “unsubstantiated.”
In a message to Palace reporters, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro reacted to Caloocan second district Rep. Edgar Erice, who said an impeachment complaint against President Marcos could possibly be filed once Congress resumes session.
Another lawmaker, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V, reacted to Erice, saying impeachment is a serious constitutional mechanism that “must be anchored on proof and not treated as a political announcement.”
On the other hand, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte cautioned fellow lawmakers against backing another impeachment complaint against his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Before a new impeachment complaint is filed this February 2026, this is a call to my colleagues — do not pass on the decision that has long been made behind closed doors to the people,” he said.
He said an impeachment complaint must reflect the voices of the lawmakers’ constituents, and not of a “few who control funds and influence.”
Castro said the administration has taken note of Erice’s statement, but emphasized the claims allegedly originated from supporters of a certain politician and remain unverified.
“At this point, these are unsubstantiated statements allegedly coming from the supporters of a certain politician,” Castro said.
She said the President remains focused on leading the country and delivering results for the Filipino people, stressing that Mr. Marcos respects existing constitutional processes.
Castro added that the President believes any actions taken by members of Congress should be based on facts, the law, and the national interest, not on rumors or political maneuvering.
“He respects the existing constitutional processes and believes that any actions taken by members of Congress will be driven by facts, the law, and national interest,” Castro said.
“The administration will not speculate on rumours or political maneuverings,” she added.
Mr. Marcos has consistently said he will allow constitutional processes to run their course while maintaining focus on his work.
As for Duterte, the lawmaker said the decision to impeach must not be about politics and patronage.
“This is about accountability. And if you can’t answer to the people and stand up for the truth, don’t use the people’s name to cover up your decision.”
In February 2025, Congress impeached the Vice President through a fourth complaint over her supposed misuse of confidential funds and threats against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos, and ex-Speaker Martin Romualdez.
ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio said the Makabayan bloc is willing to endorse another impeachment complaint against the Vice President.
He said the complaint may include new allegations raised by Ramil Madriaga, her alleged bagman, who claimed her 2022 election campaign was financed by Philippine offshore gaming operators and drug lords.
Ortega underscored that any attempt to initiate impeachment proceedings must meet the strict standards laid down by the Constitution, noting that allegations alone do not rise to the level required for such an extraordinary remedy.
“Allegations must stand on verifiable facts, sworn statements, and credible documentation,” he said.
The. House remains guided by constitutional duty and institutional responsibility, emphasizing that the process is not influenced by speculation or political noise, Ortega said.
“We will examine any complaint based on the Constitution and evidence — nothing more, nothing less,” he said.
While confident that any such move against the President would fail to clear the constitutional bar, Ortega said the House would nonetheless uphold due process.
“Due process applies to the President as much as to any public official,” he pointed out.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “‘Unsubstantiated:’ Palace rebuffs impeach PBBM moves”
