VP: Marcos wants to stay in power beyond 2028; it's a diversionary tactic, Palace says

Vice President Sara Duterte claimed that President Marcos' intent not to step down from the presidency to perpetuate himself in power led to an impeachment case designed to remove her as contender in 2028 presidential elections.

- RAYMUND ANTONIO and BETHEENA UNITE

However, Malacañang dismissed the Vice President's allegation as purely a diversionary tactic from the real issue of her accountability on alleged misuse of confidential funds and the various complaints included in the Articles of Impeachment.

In an interview with Russia Today International on Wednesday, June 25, Vice President Duterte named President Marcos and his allies in the House of Representatives as those behind the impeachment case against her.

“Well, it’s all about the refusal or the intent of President Marcos. It is the intent of President Marcos not to step down. He wants to perpetuate himself or his family in power. It is clear from the moves of his administration against political opponents," she said.

Without mentioning names, the Vice President said she has personal knowledge that one of Marcos' relatives wants to run for president in 2028. However, she had previously said Speaker Martin Romualdez, the President's first cousin, has dreams to become president.