Malacañang on Sunday denied Sen. Imee Marcos’ claim that the administration is coercing lawmakers to vote in favor of the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
‘There is greater credibility when every accusation is backed by evidence,’ Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.
She also said some high-ranking officials have become ‘accustomed to relying merely on speculation.’
‘It seems FPRRD’s practice of creating intrigue and planting evidence is highly contagious. Do not emulate it!’ Castro said, referring to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the vice president’s father.
In a video statement on Sunday, Sen. Marcos, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s estranged eldest sister, alleged that some members of the House of Representatives and the Senate were facing intimidation and threats of cases if they refused to support the impeachment of Vice President Duterte.
She said some lawmakers were allegedly being threatened with cases before the Office of the Ombudsman if they would not vote in favor of the impeachment complaint against the vice president.
The senator also claimed that other agencies, including the Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation, and Securities and Exchange Commission, were allegedly being ordered to pursue possible legal actions against those who refuse to support the impeachment move.
Sen. Marcos also said some lawmakers complained that their respective allocations were marked ‘for later release (FLR),’ stalling projects for their constituents or leaving them without funding.
‘Is this right? There is already bribery, and now there are threats as well. What is happening to our country?’ the senator said.
She did not disclose who among her fellow lawmakers were receiving such threats.
FLR items are budget appropriations in the General Appropriations Act that are not immediately released by the Department of Budget and Management.
They are withheld pending the submission of special requirements or compliance with specific conditions.
The House is set to hold a historic vote tomorrow to affirm its Committee on Justice report finding probable cause in the impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte.
Under the 1987 Constitution, at least one-third of all House members – or 106 votes out of the 318-member chamber – would be enough to approve the Articles of Impeachment and immediately transmit them to the Senate for trial.