Malacañang pushed back against Senator Imee Marcos over her claims that lawmakers opposing the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte could face cases before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said accusations should be supported by evidence, criticizing what she described as speculation among public officials.
“Mas may credibility kung sa bawat paghuhusga, may kasama nang ebidensya. Nasasanay na po ang ilang nakakataas na opisyal natin na sa haka-haka na lamang bumabase,” Castro said in a statement.
She also took a swipe at former president Rodrigo Duterte, saying: “Mabilis palang makahawa ang gawain ni FPRRD sa paggawa ng intriga at pagplanta ng ebidensya. Huwag tularan!”
Marcos earlier alleged in an online video that lawmakers were being bribed and intimidated into supporting Duterte’s impeachment. She claimed the Office of the Ombudsman was being used to pressure legislators.
“May bagong pananakot ngayon. Three little letters na naman. Ang pangalan, Ombudsman. O-M-B. Nakakatakot. Kakasuhan ka raw kapag hindi ka bumoto para sa impeachment ni VP Sara,” Marcos said.
The senator also claimed lawmakers who fail to vote “properly” could face a “flood of cases,” while alleging that bribery and intimidation were ongoing.
Marcos further criticized the administration over what she claimed was the slowdown of infrastructure projects due to funding shortages.
The House Committee on Justice earlier found probable cause to impeach Duterte based on two complaints filed this year. The complaints accuse the Vice President of betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution over the alleged misuse of confidential funds, supposed threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family, and alleged unexplained wealth.
House justice panel chairperson Gerville Luistro is set to sponsor the committee report and Articles of Impeachment during Monday’s plenary session.
At least 106 votes are required for the Articles of Impeachment to be transmitted to the Senate for trial.
