Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has stated that the Supreme Court's (SC) recent ruling concerning the dismissed impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte holds no significance regarding the case's underlying merits. Speaking on Friday, Marcos Jr. emphasized that the SC's decision pertained to procedural aspects and did not delve into the substance of the allegations against Vice President Duterte.

The impeachment case, which was ultimately dismissed by the House of Representatives, stemmed from accusations of conflict of interest and misuse of public funds related to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) confidential funds. The SC’s ruling primarily addressed questions surrounding the House's authority to dismiss the impeachment complaint and whether it should have allowed the case to proceed.

“The Supreme Court’s decision addressed the procedural aspects, not the merits of the case,” Marcos Jr. clarified in a press briefing. “So, it has no bearing on the merits.” This statement aims to distance the executive branch from the legal proceedings and reinforce the administration’s support for Vice President Duterte, despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the DepEd’s confidential funds.

The controversy surrounding the DepEd's confidential funds has been a persistent challenge for the Duterte-Marcos alliance. The House of Representatives' investigation and subsequent dismissal of the impeachment complaint fueled debates about transparency and accountability in government spending. Critics argued that the House should have allowed the impeachment process to continue to fully examine the allegations against Vice President Duterte.

The SC's decision, while resolving some procedural questions, has not silenced the calls for greater transparency and accountability. Lawmakers and civil society organizations continue to press for a thorough accounting of the DepEd's confidential funds and a review of the processes governing their allocation and use.

Marcos Jr.’s remarks underscore the administration’s strategy to downplay the legal implications of the SC’s ruling and maintain a united front. However, the issue of confidential funds remains a sensitive topic and a potential source of political friction in the coming months. The President’s assertion serves as a clear indication that the administration believes the legal challenges have not fundamentally undermined Vice President Duterte’s position.

Political analysts suggest that Marcos Jr.'s statement is a calculated move to reassure his allies and deflect attention from the criticisms leveled against Vice President Duterte. The statement also signals the administration’s intention to move forward and focus on other priorities despite the lingering controversy.

The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing scrutiny of government spending and calls for greater accountability. The long-term impact on the Duterte-Marcos alliance remains to be seen, but Marcos Jr.'s recent comments offer a glimpse into the administration's perspective on the matter.