29-11-2024 (MANILA) Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has intervened to prevent impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, following a controversial statement that has heightened political tensions in the Southeast Asian nation.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Marcos confirmed he had privately messaged lawmakers urging them to abandon any plans for impeachment, describing the situation as “a storm in a teacup” that would needlessly paralyse government operations.
“This entire situation would not improve a single Filipino life,” Marcos stated, expressing concern that impeachment proceedings would impede both legislative chambers. “It would merely consume valuable time and resources that could be better directed towards national development.”
The political tension stems from Vice President Duterte’s recent controversial remarks, where she allegedly instructed associates to target President Marcos, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in the event of her death. Duterte was scheduled to address these statements at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) today but requested a postponement following the cancellation of a separate House hearing regarding her office’s financial management.
Duterte has since clarified her statements, asserting they were taken out of context and emphasising that the supposed “revenge plot” was conditional upon her death, maintaining it “does not constitute an active threat.”
When questioned about Duterte’s claim that their relationship had reached a “point of no return,” President Marcos remained diplomatic, responding simply: “Never say never.”
