MANILA – House Committee on Higher and Technical Education chair Jude Acidre on Friday urged Senator Imee Marcos to stop what he described as “baseless conspiracy theories” about alleged efforts to extend President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s term and instead focus on her duties in the upcoming impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Acidre issued the statement after Marcos claimed that reported moves toward constitutional amendments were aimed at extending the President’s term and preventing the 2028 elections.

“Senator Imee should stop alarming the public with unfounded stories and political fiction. The Filipino people deserve facts, not fearmongering,” Acidre said in a news release.

“Walang saysay ang pagpapakalat ng mga imbentong conspiracy theory habang may malinaw na tungkuling konstitusyonal na dapat harapin ang Senado bilang (There is no point in spreading fabricated conspiracy theories while there is a clear constitutional duty that the Senate faces as an) impeachment court,” he added.

Acidre stressed that the 1987 Constitution limits the President to a single six-year term, saying any suggestion of term extension or election cancellation has no basis.

“The Constitution is very clear. President Marcos cannot run again in 2028. To keep repeating this narrative despite the absence of evidence only deepens political toxicity and confusion,” he said.

The Tingog Party-list lawmaker also said the Senate should prioritize preparations for the impeachment trial, warning against allowing what he called “political drama and manufactured panic” to dominate public discussion.

He reminded senators that the public expects the Senate to uphold constitutional processes and conduct the impeachment trial with seriousness, impartiality, and respect for due process.

“Ang inaasahan ng taumbayan ay katotohanan, pananagutan, at maayos na paglilitis – hindi pananakot, hindi propaganda, at lalong hindi gawa-gawang kwento tungkol sa (The people expect truth, accountability and an orderly trial – not intimidation, not propaganda, and certainly not invented stories on) martial law or term extension,” Acidre said.

He also warned against using discussions on constitutional reform as a political scare tactic, saying unverified claims only undermine institutions and deepen political divisions.

“At this crucial time, public officials should help calm the nation—not inflame it with reckless accusations,” he said.