MANILA — Malacañang said accusations should be supported by evidence, as it responded to Senator Imee Marcos’ claims that lawmakers could face cases before the Office of the Ombudsman if they refuse to support the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a report, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said credibility is undermined when statements are not backed by proof.

“Mas may credibility kung sa bawat paghuhusga, may kasama nang ebidensya. Nasasanay na po ang ilang nakakataas na opisyal natin na sa haka-haka na lamang bumabase,” Castro said in a statement.

“Mabilis palang makahawa ang gawain ni FPRRD sa paggawa ng intriga at pagplanta ng ebidensya. Huwag tularan!” she added.

Marcos earlier made the remarks in a video, where she alleged that lawmakers were being pressured through possible Ombudsman cases and other forms of intimidation if they do not vote in favor of Duterte’s impeachment.

She also referred to the Office of the Ombudsman as part of what she described as a “new form of intimidation.”

“May bagong pananakot ngayon. Three little letters na naman. Ang pangalan, Ombudsman. O-M-B. Nakakatakot. Kakasuhan ka raw kapag hindi ka bumoto para sa impeachment ni VP Sara,” Marcos said.

She further alleged that legislators could face multiple cases if they do not “vote properly” and claimed there were bribery attempts linked to the impeachment process.

Marcos also raised concerns about stalled infrastructure projects, asking whether new roads or bridges were being constructed under the current administration.

“Tingnan ninyo, may nagpapatayo ba ng mga tulay? Meron bang road widening o bagong kalsada na binubuksan? Wala,” she said.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña, however, dismissed Marcos’ claims, saying the evidence against Vice President Duterte remains strong.

“Ang malinaw dito, overwhelming ang evidence at no amount of black propaganda ng kampo ng Duterte ang makapababali sa tindi ng ebidensiyang ito,” he said.

“Huwag nilang daanin sa paninira sa proseso, daanin nila sa pagsagot sa ebidensya,” he added.

Cendaña also denied allegations of bribery involving lawmakers in relation to the impeachment process.

“Wala tayong natatanggap at hindi tayo tumatanggap ng ganyan. Itong sinasabi ni Senator Imee is another desperate attempt para ibahin ang usapan,” he said.

The House Committee on Justice earlier found probable cause to impeach Vice President Duterte based on two complaints filed this year.

The complaints cite allegations of betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution, including alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family, and alleged unexplained wealth.

The committee report and Articles of Impeachment are set to be sponsored in Monday’s plenary session. At least 106 votes are needed for transmission to the Senate for trial.