President Marcos; Senate Holds Key to VP Sara’s Impeachment Trial | People’s Press PH

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday made it clear that Malacañang will not interfere in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the matter now rests squarely with the Senate.

“This is really a function of the Senate right now, so we leave it to them,” President Marcos said in an interview on June 10, amid rising political tensions as the impeachment trial looms.

The President's remarks came just days before the Senate convenes as an impeachment court on June 11, following the swearing-in of Senate President Chiz Escudero as the presiding officer of the trial.

“We are watching, of course, what Senate President Chiz Escudero is doing to try to make it as peaceful a transition as possible from this Congress to the next,” Marcos added, expressing cautious optimism that the process will be orderly and constitutional.

The House of Representatives earlier transmitted Articles of Impeachment against VP Duterte, citing alleged violations involving confidential funds and questionable spending while she concurrently served as Education Secretary.

Senators are scheduled to take their oath as senator-judges, with hearings expected to begin in the coming days. The high-stakes trial has captured the attention of the nation, dividing public opinion and reshaping the current political landscape.

While critics accuse the impeachment of being politically motivated, supporters argue that it is a necessary check on accountability and ethical governance even for the second highest official in the land.

For now, President Marcos appears to be taking a neutral stance, emphasizing that the executive branch will not meddle in what he deems a purely legislative process.

“We respect the separation of powers. It’s the Senate’s job to try the case fairly,” he said.

As the impeachment trial moves forward, all eyes are on the upper chamber not only for the verdict but also for how it navigates what could be one of the most polarizing political events in recent Philippine history.