PBBM maintains ‘hands-off’ approach amid impeachment proceedings

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. intends to focus on his official duties Monday rather than monitor the opening of impeachment proceedings against him, according to a senior communications official.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Sunday that the President is confident the complaints are “weak and baseless” and that he has committed no impeachable offense.

Her remarks come a day before the House Committee on Justice is set to determine if the complaints are sufficient in form and substance.

“In my opinion, the president will prioritize work over monitoring those proceedings because he knows he has not committed any impeachable offense,” Castro said in a radio interview.

She also addressed concerns regarding political interference, stating that Marcos has not attempted to influence the proceedings against himself or those involving Vice President Sara Duterte.

Representative Terry Ridon of the Bicol Saro Partylist, a member of the House Committee on Justice, confirmed that the panel will begin its review Monday as he cited that some of the allegations against the President appear to fall short of constitutional requirements.

The Palace also provided an update on the president’s health following his recent diagnosis of diverticulitis.

While Executive Secretary Ralph Recto previously stated that doctors advised Marcos to take a week of rest, Castro said the President is “getting better” and has resumed a busy internal schedule.

“When we spoke Friday, he was already giving many instructions on what needs to be done,” Castro said. “He was even joking off-camera.”

Despite the medical advice to rest, Marcos has continued to hold meetings within Malacañang, including the recent swearing-in of Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as the new chief of the Philippine National Police.