Manila, Philippines – Weeks before the resumption of the Congress session on January 26, Senior Deputy Minority Leader Edgar Erice bares looming impeachment talks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. this year.
In a statement, Erice revealed that there was a pro-Vice President group that reached out to him to solicit his support in endorsing an impeachment case versus Marcos.
While Erice claimed that he declined, he disclosed that there are some members of the majority and independent lawmakers that will be jointly enedorsing the complaint.
Erice added that the possible complaint may anchor the betrayal of public trust grounds, amid the issue of budget insertions overlooked by Marcos leading to the present corruption problem.
When sought for a reaction, Malacañang palace did not give much weight to the rumored impeachment saying that the President is ready to face whatever complaint there is.
The Palace also took a jab on Vice President Sara Duterte and her supporters whom Erice claimed to be plotting the impeachment case.
Malacañang likewise defended the President, arguing that there is no basis for the ground of betrayal of public trust linked with the approval of the controversial 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Last year, Duterte Youth Partylist chairman tried to filer an impeachment complaint against Marcos over former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest, which did not pursue due to the absence of the Secretary General who was supposed to receive the complaints.
Cavite Representative Kiko Barzaga also threatened to file an impachment case but did not pursue it as well.
Meanwhile, aside from Marcos, Erice also claimed that impeachment complaints against Duterte are also looming this year, as the one year bar expires on February 6.
Malacañang said that Marcos has a clear directive on possible impeachment against Duterte.
On the other hand, the Makabayan bloc in the Congress confirmed that they are not aware of the impeachment initiatives as discussed by Erice but says there is a clear basis for a case.
The Makabayan bloc is also preparing to refile an impeachment complaint versus Duterte next month.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News