President Marcos Open to Senate House Dialogue on Impeachment
Malacañang announced that President Marcos is willing to facilitate a dialogue between the Senate and the House of Representatives but will firmly avoid intervening in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. The President’s stance underscores his respect for the constitutional process amid rising tensions.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro shared this position following concerns raised by a legal group about the Senate’s decision to return the articles of impeachment to the House. The Philippine Constitution Association questioned the Senate’s move, urging the chamber to uphold its constitutional role and proceed with the trial.
Earlier this week, the Senate voted 18-5 to remand the impeachment articles, sparking debates on the proper legal course. Castro emphasized that while the President is open to discussions with Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez to resolve their differences, he will not involve himself in the impeachment process.
“The President is open for a dialogue,” Castro said on June 13. She added, “Ayaw pong lumugar ng Pangulo na masasabi na siya po ay nakikialam patungkol dito (The President does not want to be seen as interfering in that matter).”
Respect for Democratic Processes and Legal Opinions
The Palace official highlighted that President Marcos respects the opinions of legal experts and institutions but remains committed to democratic procedures. “Ang bawat opinyon ng isang tao, ng grupo, ay iginagalang po ng Pangulo (The President respects every person’s or group’s opinion),” Castro said.
She quoted the President’s words, “Ang totoong kalaban po ng kapayapaan ay ang pagiging manhid (The real enemy of peace is indifference),” underscoring his hope for a peaceful resolution despite political challenges.
Hope for Institutional Integrity Amid Conflicts
Castro further explained that President Marcos believes Congress will uphold its institutional integrity and resolve conflicts between its chambers. “Naniniwala naman po at may tiwala ang Pangulo na ang anumang mga ‘di pagkakasundo sa mga issues ay mareresolba ng dalawang kapulungan (The President believes and trusts that any disagreements will be resolved between the two chambers),” she said.
While Marcos does not intend to initiate a meeting specifically on the impeachment issue, he remains open to discussions on other legislative concerns. “Sa mga ibang issues po malamang pwede. Depende po kung gaano na po ba kalala… I-a-assess po ito ng Pangulo (It’s possible if it’s about other issues. It depends on how serious the issue becomes… The President will assess the situation),” Castro noted.
Among the matters under close watch are disputes over the legislated wage hike bill and the proposed Magna Carta for barangay healthcare workers, both stirring debate in Congress.
Neutrality Urged for Senator-Judges
Castro also called on senator-judges involved in the impeachment trial to maintain neutrality. “Sa batas naman po, sinasabi na pagka po kayo ay tumayong senator-judges, dapat meron kayong neutrality. Dapat hindi biased (The law says that when you act as a senator-judge, you must be neutral and not biased),” she stressed, clarifying this was her personal opinion, not an official Palace stance.
She appealed to the senator-judges to respect the public and act with integrity: “Sana po igalang nila ang taong bayan at magpakita naman ng konting kahihiyan dahil ang sinisilbihan nila ay ang taong bayan, hindi para sa isang tao lamang (They should respect the people and have shame because they serve the people, not just one person).”
President Marcos has consistently expressed his reluctance toward the impeachment but insists that Congress must follow due process.
For more news and updates on impeachment proceedings, visit Filipinokami.com.