Former Senate President Franklin Drilon said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. can influence the fate of the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the outcome will depend on political deals.
Speaking on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s “The Spokes,” Drilon said the President has the power to push for conviction or block it, depending on his policy.
“The fate of the impeachment is not determined by political noise, it’s determined by the deals made,” he said.
Drilon noted that Marcos Jr. controls the execution of arrest warrants against senators, which could affect participation in the trial, and has strong influence in the House to secure the one-third vote needed to transmit articles of impeachment.
He added that if the President wants the impeachment to move forward, he can make it happen.
Drilon also cited the National Unity Party’s clarification that its earlier statement against supporting impeachment was not an official party stand and that members may vote according to their conscience, saying this shows the President’s influence remains crucial.IMT
