Senator Imee Marcos on Thursday said she believes that efforts to dismiss the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte are not only being pushed by Duterte allies but also by some supporters of the Marcos administration.

Speaking at the weekly Kapihan sa Senado forum, Senator Marcos was asked whether the push to junk the complaint was limited to known Duterte allies in the Senate.

“No. You know, whenever there's a proposal, everyone really works together. That’s just how it is, and it has nothing to do with any party, the so-called ‘Duterte 5,’ or anyone in particular. Everyone is genuinely interested,” she said in Filipino.

“In fact, I think even the administration is interested in getting it dismissed — because they’re getting nervous that they might lose. Let’s be honest,” she added.

Senator Marcos clarified, however, that this was only her personal suspicion.

“Because, you know, it would be embarrassing if they lost,” she said.

‘Group effort’

According to Senator Marcos, she has seen several versions of the resolution authored by different senators, aside from the one released by the office of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

“I don’t really know because I’ve seen multiple drafts. Actually, after that one, there were more. Different versions, and I’m not even sure who wrote them,” she said.

“You know how it is, sometimes we talk about it on the floor, then someone lays it out and writes down what works. It’s a joint effort. There were a lot. The one released to the media was probably the third version. And since then, I think I saw two more versions,” she added.

Dela Rosa on Wednesday admitted being behind the draft resolution seeking to “de facto” dismiss the impeachment case against Duterte. The move appears intended to block the scheduled presentation of the Articles of Impeachment on 11 June.

To recall, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero had rescheduled the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment to 11 June — the final session day of the 19th Congress.

Initially set for 2 June 2025, the presentation marks the start of formal impeachment proceedings in the Senate, which will then convene as an impeachment court.

Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on 5 February, with 215 lawmakers — more than two-thirds of its members — voting in favor.

If convicted by the Senate, Duterte would be removed from office and barred from holding any future public position.

To convict Duterte, the Senate must secure two-thirds of its votes — or at least 16 out of the 24 members.