Marcos Dismisses Impeachment Talk Against VP Duterte as โStorm in a Teacup
MANILA, Philippines โ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday brushed aside talk of an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying it would only distract Congress from addressing the needs of ordinary Filipinos.
โWhy waste time on it?โ Marcos told reporters. โNone of this will help improve a single Filipino life. As far as Iโm concerned, itโs a storm in a teacup.โ
A “storm in a teacup” is an idiom used to describe a situation where there is an exaggerated reaction to something trivial or insignificant. It implies that people are making a big deal out of a minor issue, creating unnecessary drama or conflict over something that doesnโt have much impact in the grand scheme of things.
The comments came as Rep. France Castro told ABS-CBN News that lawmakers in the lower house are preparing to file an impeachment complaint against Duterte for betrayal of public trust, bribery, and high crimes, including plunder.
A Fractured Alliance
The dispute underscores the collapse of the once-powerful alliance between Marcos and Duterte, whose partnership helped secure Marcosโ landslide presidential victory in 2022. Their falling out has been marked by public feuds, including a heated row between Duterte and Marcosโ cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Tensions escalated over the weekend when Duterte claimed she had hired an assassin to kill Marcos, his wife, and Romualdez in the event of her own death. The statement drew a swift rebuke from Marcos, who called the threat โtroubling.โ
Law enforcement officials summoned Duterte for questioning on Friday, but the vice president did not appear, citing urgent office matters. Her lawyers requested a new schedule.
Allegations of Misuse of Funds
Duterte, who resigned as education secretary in June, is under investigation for alleged misuse of public funds during her time in the Cabinet. She has denied any wrongdoing and dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
Despite the widening rift, Marcos was noncommittal when asked if their relationship is beyond repair.
โNever say never,โ he said.
Political Fallout
The feud has cast a shadow over the Marcos administration, which had benefited from the formidable political machinery of the Duterte family.
Analysts say the impeachment push, while unlikely to succeed given Duterteโs allies in Congress, adds to the political drama.
Critics argue that the infighting diverts attention from pressing issues such as inflation, poverty, and economic recovery. For now, the spotlight remains on whether the countryโs fractured leadership can still deliver on the promises they made to voters.
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