Ilocos Norte Representative Sandro Marcos has publicly justified his pioneering role in signing an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing his obligation under the Constitution and the gravity of the accusations leveled against her. In a recent interview, Marcos explained that he sought advice from his father, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., before signing the document. The President advised him to fulfill his duties as a congressman and uphold his oath to the Constitution, which Marcos took to heart.
Marcos highlighted that his action was a response to serious allegations made by Duterte during a press conference in October 2024. Duterte reportedly made shocking statements about decapitating the President and exhuming the remains of Marcos’s grandfather, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., from the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Additionally, the impeachment complaint accuses Duterte of plotting to assassinate President Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Marcos expressed surprise at the public’s astonishment over his decision to sign the complaint, arguing that such severe statements from a high-ranking official could not be ignored. He also denied leading the effort to gather signatures for the complaint, stating that he merely signed when given the opportunity and did not try to persuade others to do the same. Marcos dismissed claims of financial incentives for signatures as part of a smear campaign by Duterte’s supporters.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco reported that an additional 25 lawmakers have now supported the impeachment, potentially bringing the total number of signatories to 240, which represents a supermajority in the House of Representatives. These lawmakers, previously unable to attend due to other commitments, have now formalized their support.
Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers underscored the strong backing for the impeachment, describing it as a reflection of the Filipino people’s will. He emphasized that the signatures represent not just the votes of individual lawmakers but the voices of millions of Filipinos they represent.
The impeachment process will now proceed to the Senate for a trial to assess Duterte’s culpability. President Marcos Jr. has distanced himself from the proceedings but affirmed that his son was simply performing his legislative duties. The President also remains confident that the political situation will not hinder the country’s economic progress.
The impeachment complaint against Duterte lists seven charges, including conspiracy to assassinate key figures, misuse of confidential funds, bribery and corruption, unexplained wealth, non-disclosure of assets, and involvement in extrajudicial killings in Davao City.