Palace: Marcos not keen to dialogues on Sara Duterte impeachment

Vice President Sara Duterte impeachment composite image from Inquirer files

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is not open to dialogues regarding the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, a Palace official said on Tuesday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the clarification in response to Senate President Francis Escudero’s statement that there is no need for Malacañang to intervene in the standoff between the House of Representatives and the Senate over the impeachment issue.

READ: Marcos on Sara Duterte impeachment trial: Let process take its course

“So, again, let me repeat — the President is not open to any dialogue regarding the impeachment trial or proceedings,” she said in Filipino during a briefing.

Malacañang has repeatedly emphasized that Marcos is not involved in the impeachment process against Duterte, who was his former running mate under the Uniteam banner in the 2022 elections.

“As for the impeachment, that’s already with the Senate. Let’s leave it to them. There’s a process for that. Let’s allow the process to take its course,” Marcos himself said in Episode 1 of the BBM Podcast aired on May 19.

READ: Marcos respects opinions on Sara Duterte impeachment trial – Palace

“As for me, what’s on my mind is that the election is over — it’s time to get back to work,” the President added.

Meanwhile, in a briefing on June 10, Castro said Marcos respects everyone’s opinions regarding Duterte’s impeachment trial. /das