FridayOL

Manila, Philippines – Malacañang Palace swiftly refuted claims circulating online suggesting that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is actively orchestrating the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. The denial came amidst growing speculation and unsubstantiated reports fueled by social media and certain online news outlets.

Presidential spokesperson, Atty. Cheche Tolentino, firmly stated that the President has no involvement in any efforts to initiate or influence the impeachment trial of the Vice President. "These allegations are baseless and completely untrue," she declared during a press briefing. "The President respects the constitutional processes and the independence of the judiciary. He is focused on addressing the pressing issues facing the nation and has no time for political maneuvering of this nature."

The rumors gained traction following a series of events, including ongoing tensions between the Marcos and Duterte political camps regarding budget allocations for the Department of Education. Critics have pointed to these disagreements as potential motives for an impeachment attempt, though no formal charges have been filed.

Understanding the Context: The Budget Dispute

The core of the current conflict lies in the Department of Education's (DepEd) budget. Vice President Duterte, as the Secretary of DepEd, had initially requested a significantly larger budget for the department's programs and initiatives. However, the request was trimmed down during the budget deliberations in Congress, reportedly at the behest of some members of the Marcos administration. This decision sparked strong criticism from Duterte and her supporters, who argued that the reduced funding would severely hamper the DepEd's ability to deliver quality education to Filipino students.

Why the Impeachment Rumors are Unlikely

Several factors make the impeachment rumors seem improbable. Firstly, initiating impeachment proceedings requires a significant level of political capital and support within Congress. Given the current political landscape, it would be challenging to garner the necessary votes to impeach the Vice President, especially without widespread public support.

Secondly, an impeachment trial would be a highly divisive and disruptive process, potentially destabilizing the government and diverting attention from critical national priorities. President Marcos has consistently emphasized the need for unity and cooperation to address the country's challenges, making an impeachment effort inconsistent with his stated goals.

The Palace's Message

Malacañang Palace urged the public to disregard the false information being spread online and to rely on credible sources of news. Tolentino emphasized that the President remains committed to working with Vice President Duterte on issues of mutual concern, despite their differences. "The President believes that constructive dialogue and collaboration are essential for the betterment of the country,” she concluded.

The Palace’s swift and unequivocal denial aims to quell the rumors and prevent further speculation that could undermine the stability of the government and create unnecessary division within the country. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the budget debate continues.