MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday cautioned that the impeachment complaint filed against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. could have negative economic repercussions, saying the move creates uncertainty and disrupts governance.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement in response to remarks by Davao City 1st District’s Cong. Paolo Duterte, who earlier described the impeachment complaint as mere “drama” meant to divert attention from unresolved corruption issues.
Castro stressed that the filing of an impeachment case, regardless of motive, poses a challenge to the President and should not be downplayed.
“Kung ‘yan ang nasa isip niya wala po tayong magagawa pero hindi po natin alam kung ano ang intensyon ng mga taong nagsampa ng impeachment complaint, at the same time, ang pagsasampa ng impeachment complaint ay sagabal din sa Pangulo kaya wag niyang isipin na parang mahina ‘yung kaso or what,’” Castro said in a television interview.
She added that the issue could affect how both the public and the international community view the country.
“Hindi ito maganda sa paningin ng tao, hindi maganda sa paningin ng ibang mga foreign countries so ‘di rin ito maaaring maganda sa paningin para sa ekonomiya, so huwag niyang maliitin ang impeachment complaint,’” she said.
Duterte earlier dismissed the complaint as politically motivated, arguing that it lacked substance.
“Mga impeachment cases na ganito ay walang ibang purpose kundi ang idepensa ang isang impeachable official laban sa mga totoong impeachment cases… Kung seryoso kayo sa corruption, doon kayo sa may ebidensya. Pero kung drama lang ang hanap, sige — impeachment ang props,” he said in a Facebook post.
The impeachment complaint was filed before the House of Representatives and endorsed by Pusong Pinoy party-list’s Cong. Jett Nisay. Complainant Andre de Jesus cited graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust as grounds.
Earlier, Malacañang acknowledged that impeachment proceedings are part of the democratic process enshrined in the Constitution, but reiterated its confidence in the country’s institutions.
“We respect this process and trust that Congress, as a co-equal branch of government, will discharge its duties with honesty, integrity, and fidelity to the rule of law,” the Presidential Communications Office said in a previous statement.
“The President fully upholds the Constitution and remains confident in the strength of our democratic institutions,” it added./PN
