President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains steadfast in his opposition to the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, yet he is seriously considering the views of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, according to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. This statement came after Enrile expressed concerns over the implications of a nationwide peace rally organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in support of Marcos’ stance against Duterte’s impeachment.
Enrile, in a social media post, cautioned that following the logic presented at the INC rally could set a harmful precedent for the nation. He questioned whether the INC, with its membership, could alter or suspend constitutional provisions and whether the country was ready to compromise the rule of law for an individual or group. He emphasized that impeachment is a constitutional process intended to remove officials from office based on evidence and grounds, not a direct path to incarceration.
Bersamin highlighted Marcos’ commitment to fostering an environment where Cabinet members can freely express their opinions, enriching policy-making with diverse perspectives. He noted that while Enrile’s views are valued, they are one among many that the President takes into account.
Duterte faces multiple impeachment complaints in the House of Representatives, accused of constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, and various financial crimes. Last year, Marcos argued that pursuing these complaints would divert attention from the government’s primary goal of enhancing Filipino lives, deeming the impeachment efforts a waste of time.
Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña, who supports the first impeachment complaint against Duterte, called on the House to uphold its integrity and proceed with the impeachment. Speaking at a mass attended by various groups at the Edsa Shrine Church, Cendaña stressed the necessity of justice for achieving peace and warned that inaction would allow Duterte to continue undermining the country’s laws. He also suggested that delays in the impeachment process have encouraged Duterte to consider a presidential run in 2028, claiming that by not acting on the complaints, Duterte is already gaining ground.