Marcos won't intervene in VP Sara impeachment

President Marcos is open to facilitating a dialogue between the Senate and the House of Representatives, but he will not intervene in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

- ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) raised "grave constitutional questions" on the Senate's move to return the Articles of Impeachment to the House, urging the upper chamber to uphold its constitutional duty and proceed with the trial.

Early this week, the Senate voted 18-5 to remand the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Duterte this week.

In her press briefing, Castro said Marcos is willing to facilitate, but not initiate, talks between Senate President Francis Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez to thresh out their differences. However, he won't interfere when it comes to the impeachment process.

The Palace official said the President also respects the views of legal experts and institutions but reiterated his commitment to democratic processes.

She then quoted the President: "The real enemy of peace is indifference." Castro said that the President remains hopeful that, despite tensions, Congress will maintain institutional integrity and resolve their differences.

While Marcos does not plan to initiate a meeting with the Senate and House leaders on the impeachment matter, Castro said the President is ready to engage on other legislative issues depending on the situation.