HOUSE Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos on Monday announced that he is inhibiting himself from all discussions, deliberations, and proceedings of the House Committee on Rules concerning the impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., citing the need to uphold democratic institutions above personal ties.
“Our democracy is strongest when institutions are bigger than personalities, and when public servants choose principle over proximity,” Marcos, chair of the House Committee on Rules, said.
“In view of the impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who is my father, I have decided to formally recuse myself from all discussions, deliberations, and proceedings of the House Committee on Rules insofar as these complaints are concerned,” Marcos added.
Marcos stressed that stepping aside from the Rules committee proceedings on the impeachment complaints does not diminish his broader responsibilities in the chamber.
“I take this step not as a retreat from responsibility, but as an affirmation of it,” Marcos said. “Public office is a trust, and that trust is strengthened when those who hold power are willing to step aside to protect the institution they serve.”
The Ilocos Norte House leader said he remains fully committed to his duties as House majority leader in all other matters and expressed confidence in the House’s independence and sobriety in handling the issue.
“I remain committed to my duties as House Majority Leader in all other matters, and I express full confidence that the House will act with independence, sobriety, and fidelity to the Constitution in addressing this issue,” Marcos said.
He clarified that the move was not mandated by House rules, but was guided by a broader responsibility to protect institutional integrity and public trust.
“This decision is guided not by legal compulsion, but by a higher obligation—to preserve the integrity of the House of Representatives, to protect the credibility of its processes, and to uphold the public’s trust in our constitutional system,” he said.
Marcos acknowledged that the Rules of the House do not require his inhibition, but said leadership sometimes calls for restraint, especially in moments that test democratic institutions.
“While I am fully aware that the Rules of the House do not require my inhibition, and while I remain confident in the independence and professionalism of my colleagues, I recognize that leadership sometimes calls for restraint rather than participation,” he said. “In moments that test institutions, perception matters as much as procedure.”
He said his inhibition would allow the House to discharge its constitutional mandate without any perceived conflict of interest.
“The House must be allowed to discharge its constitutional duties without any shadow of personal interest, real or imagined,” Marcos said. “My recusal ensures that no question may be raised about the fairness, objectivity, or legitimacy of the process, and that the focus remains where it properly belongs—on the Constitution, the facts, and the rule of law.”
Marcos stressed that stepping aside from the Rules committee proceedings on the impeachment complaints does not diminish his broader responsibilities in the chamber.
“I take this step not as a retreat from responsibility, but as an affirmation of it,” Marcos said. “Public office is a trust, and that trust is strengthened when those who hold power are willing to step aside to protect the institution they serve.”
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