President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed a hands-off stance regarding the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the matter is now up to the Senate and should proceed according to due process.
In a podcast interview with broadcaster Anthony Taberna, Marcos declined to take a definitive position on the issue.
“The impeachment is now with the Senate. Let them handle it. There’s a process in place—let’s respect that,” Marcos said in Filipino. “For me, the election is over. It’s time to get back to work.”
His comments came amid ongoing political tension with his former running mate. Though Marcos and Duterte were elected as a tandem in the 2022 elections, their alliance has since fractured.
Malacañang has also maintained a neutral stance. Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro previously said the President has not made any move to push for Duterte’s impeachment.
Vice President Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on February 5, with over 200 lawmakers supporting charges that include betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes.
The Senate, under President Chiz Escudero, is expected to begin trial proceedings on July 30, 2025. Duterte, meanwhile, has declared she’s ready to face the trial, even stating that she’s expecting a “bloodbath,” as her legal team ramps up preparations.