MALACAÑANG on Friday insisted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has no plans to intervene in the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying he was focused on implementing the government’s priority projects.
“What I can verify with you is that it is true that the President ordered that we should take care of the work, that we should expedite the implementation of the projects that he wants for the people,” Castro said during a Palace press briefing.
“But when it comes to impeachment, that is already in the hands of the Senate, it is also in the hands of the prosecutors, so let’s just let that process flow normally,” Castro said.
Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on Feb. 5, with over 200 congressmen endorsing the complaint against her. She was accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.
Castro issued the statement after online reports claimed that Marcos told his Cabinet secretaries on Thursday to focus on governance and not be distracted by partisan matters.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said several Cabinet members met with the President to discuss his priority programs.
“We just discussed what we need to do because the President said we need to hurry up because we need to do it for our fellow citizens,” Dizon said.
Among the Cabinet secretaries spotted in Malacañang for the meeting were Justice Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian. Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Presidential Communications Secretary Jay Ruiz.
Vice President Sara Duterte
