Malacañang Rejects Second Impeachment Complaint Against President Marcos as Unfounded
In a decisive move, Malacañang has officially dismissed the second impeachment complaint lodged against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday, labeling it as baseless and lacking substantial evidence. The complaint, which was filed by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and endorsed by the Makabayan Bloc, has been met with strong criticism from the Palace, which asserts that the allegations are merely speculative and unsupported by facts.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro Addresses the Allegations
During a press briefing at the Palace, Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the impeachment complaint, which accuses the President of abusing discretionary powers related to unprogrammed appropriations in the national budget and involvement in kickbacks, is nothing more than hearsay. "When they claim it's abusive, they really need to prove it. If they cannot present any evidence in their complaint, they are just weaving stories," Castro stated firmly. She highlighted that the accusations fail to meet the legal standards required for such serious charges, underscoring the administration's commitment to transparency and accountability.
Details of the Complaint and Its Proponents
The impeachment complaint was formally submitted by Bayan chair Renato Reyes and former ACT Teachers Party-list representative France Castro, with endorsement from the Makabayan Bloc. This bloc includes notable figures such as ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co. They have accused President Marcos of betrayal of public trust, specifically citing alleged mismanagement of unprogrammed appropriations. These funds are designated for urgent or unforeseen government needs and are released based on the President's discretion, a point of contention in the complaint.
The Palace's dismissal comes amid ongoing political tensions, with critics arguing that the use of discretionary powers requires stricter oversight. However, Malacañang maintains that the President's actions are within legal bounds and necessary for effective governance. This development marks another chapter in the political landscape, as the administration continues to navigate challenges while upholding its mandate to serve the Filipino people.
