MANILA — Malacañang categorically ruled out President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s resignation, shutting down talk of a possible transfer of power to Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio as tensions between the country’s two highest officials intensify over her impeachment case.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos has no intention of leaving office and remains focused on performing his duties as President.
“Unang-una, walang magre-resign,” Castro told GMA News’ Unang Balita in an interview.
“Wish lang nila ‘yun dahil ang Pangulo tumutupad sa kanyang tungkulin at nagtatrabaho para sa bayan, sa bansa, at sa taumbayan. So kung wish nila na magre-resign ang Pangulo, I’m sorry,” she added.
Castro issued the categorical statement after Duterte-Carpio’s camp raised the possibility of a change in the presidency and said the Vice President was prepared to assume the country’s highest office should Marcos step down.
The Palace also rejected allegations from Duterte-Carpio’s camp that Malacañang was directing senators, police officials and other government personalities in connection with the Vice President’s impeachment case.
Castro maintained that the officials and government agencies involved were merely carrying out their respective duties and mandates under the law.
She urged Duterte-Carpio and her camp to confront the allegations raised against the Vice President instead of accusing the Marcos administration of political persecution.
Castro specifically pointed to questions over Duterte-Carpio’s alleged use of confidential funds and the grave threat case involving an alleged plot against Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The Palace official said Duterte-Carpio’s camp should address the issues being scrutinized in the impeachment proceedings rather than blame the administration for the legal and political pressure confronting the Vice President.
The exchange further underscored the widening political rift between the Marcos and Duterte-Carpio camps as the Vice President faces impeachment proceedings and both sides trade accusations over the administration’s handling of the case./PN
