Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin defended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. against accusations by the Makabayan bloc that he is “deliberately blocking” the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Bersamin clarified that the President’s response to the impeachment question should be understood in context. “The question asked was, ‘Are you in favor of impeachment?’ Of course, he will not say he is for or against it because that is the prerogative of Congress,” he said.

He explained that, under the Constitution, impeachment proceedings must originate in the lower house of Congress.

“If the President made any statement about the process, it’s likely just his opinion. He may think the timing is not right and that pursuing impeachment could distract from the administration’s agenda,” Bersamin noted.

The Executive Secretary emphasized that the Executive Branch cannot dictate the actions of the lower house, as it is a co-equal branch of government.

“The President has shared his position with the lower house, but he is not blocking the process. He cannot do that, because it is ultimately the discretion of the lower house. If they choose to initiate impeachment, there’s nothing that can prevent that,” he stressed.