House leaders have expressed their appreciation for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s respect for the independence of Congress as it proceeds with the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. In a unified statement, key figures including Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David Suarez, and Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe emphasized that the legislative body operates autonomously, countering any suggestions of presidential meddling.
Gonzales reinforced the view of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, asserting that Congress is obligated by the Constitution to address any impeachment complaint filed. He stressed that the process is driven by legal duty rather than political motives, stating, ‘The Constitution mandates action upon filing a complaint. We adhere to the law, not personal agendas.’
Suarez clarified that the impeachment initiative originated from groups not aligned with the President’s political circle. He noted that despite Marcos’s discouragement due to other national priorities, the filing of three complaints compelled Congress to act. On February 5, 2025, the House voted to forward the impeachment complaint against Duterte to the Senate, with 215 members endorsing it. However, the Senate adjourned without addressing the issue.
President Marcos has publicly denied any involvement in the impeachment proceedings. Dalipe underscored the independence of Congress, dismissing the idea that it requires presidential approval to function as ‘pure fiction.’ He affirmed, ‘Congress does not take directives from Malacañang. We are an independent branch of government.’
Suarez also defended the actions of Ferdinand Alexander ‘Sandro’ Marcos, the President’s son and a congressman, who was the first to sign the impeachment complaint sent to the Senate. He argued that every lawmaker has a responsibility to act, and Sandro Marcos fulfilled his duty.
Gonzales dismissed allegations of bribery among lawmakers as baseless, supported by President Marcos’s own experience as a former congressman and senator. He remarked, ‘The notion of distributing millions to over 200 lawmakers is simply fantasy.’
With the House having fulfilled its constitutional role, the ball is now in the Senate’s court to decide the impeachment’s outcome. President Marcos has expressed willingness to convene a special session if the Senate requests it.
Despite the political turbulence, Suarez reassured the public that Congress remains committed to economic recovery, social initiatives, and national security, stating, ‘The impeachment will not distract us from addressing the nation’s pressing needs.’