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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos focused on economy, not Charter change — Palace

Marcos focused on economy, not Charter change — Palace

Published Jan 31, 2026 01:53 pm
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Malacañang photo)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Malacañang photo)
Malacañang said President Marcos is not considering Charter change at this time, stressing that his focus remains on economic growth and recovery.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he would support moves to amend the Constitution following the Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld the unconstitutionality of the 2025 impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a text message to reporters on Saturday, Jan. 31, the Palace Press Officer said the matter of amending the 1987 Constitution was not discussed in the President’s recent meeting with his economic team.
She added that Marcos is prioritizing measures to strengthen the economy rather than engaging in political debates over constitutional amendments.
“Hindi pa po iyan napag-uusapan sa ngayon (That has not been discussed for now),” Castro said.
“Naka-focus po kasi ang Pangulo sa pag angat sa ekonomiya ng bansa (The President is focused on lifting the country’s economy),” she added.
Asked whether President Marcos would support Charter change should lawmakers move forward, Castro said the Chief Executive would only act once concrete proposals are formally presented.
“Kung may nagawa na silang hakbang patungkol dito, ito naman ay aaralin ng Pangulo (However, if steps are taken on this matter, the President will study them),” she added.
Malacañang earlier said that President Marcos respects the Supreme Court’s decision reaffirming that the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte was unconstitutional for violating the Constitution’s one-year bar rule.
“Igagalang po ng Pangulo, ng administrasyon kung anuman po ang naging desisyon ng Supreme Court patungkol po diyan (The President and the administration will respect whatever decision the Supreme Court has made on this matter),” Castro said.
Despite this, Castro stressed that the administration will continue to push its policy agenda regardless of developments surrounding the impeachment issue.
“Hindi naman po ito makakaapekto sa mga priority bills na nais ng Pangulo na maipasa (This will not affect the priority bills that the President wants passed),” she said.
Asked whether Malacañang has a message for Congress amid talks of refiling or amending impeachment rules, Castro said the Palace will not interfere.
“Trabaho po iyan ng Kongreso, hindi po makikialam ang Pangulo (That is the job of Congress, and the President will not interfere),” she said.

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President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Claire Castro Charter change
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