MANILA, Philippines — Senator Imee Marcos has expressed her “strong opposition” to the recent impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte by the House of Representatives, calling the move a distraction from the country’s pressing issues.

In a statement, Marcos said, “Ayoko ng impeachment. Ayoko ng destabilisasyon. Ayoko ng revolutionary government. Ayoko ng resignation. Ayaw ko ng gulo,” emphasizing her rejection of actions that could lead to political unrest.

Instead of focusing on impeachment and political turmoil, Marcos called on the government to prioritize addressing the real issues faced by Filipinos, particularly the rising costs of goods and rice, high unemployment rates, low wages, and lack of support for farmers, persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and other marginalized sectors.

“Impeachment ba at destabilisasyon ang solusyon? Hindi ito ang sagot sa mga hamon na ating kinakaharap. Nakakahiya!” Marcos said. “Sa halip, dapat nating harapin nang sama-sama ang mga tunay na suliranin ng bayan. Bigyan natin ng prayoridad ang pagtugon sa paghihirap ng mga mahihirap, upang mapawi ang kanilang pagtitiis at makamit ang tunay na pagbabago.”

Marcos’s remarks come after the House of Representatives formally impeached Vice President Duterte, marking the first time a sitting Philippine vice president has faced such an action. 

Duterte faces accusations of culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and misuse of confidential funds, particularly for her office and the Department of Education, which she heads.

The impeachment complaint was backed by at least 215 lawmakers on the last session day before Congress adjourned for the midterm elections.

The case now moves to the Senate, where lawmakers will determine whether Duterte should be removed from office.