Manila: Malaca±ang on Friday denied President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s involvement in the filing of impeachment complaints against him. The denial came after former Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor called the impeachment complaint lodged by lawyer Andre de Jesus a 'scam,' alleging that Marcos had a hand in blocking additional cases filed by other parties.

According to Philippines News Agency, Defensor's allegations were met with a firm rebuttal from Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, who emphasized that Defensor should provide evidence to support his claims against Atty. De Jesus. The first impeachment complaint, endorsed by Pusong Pinoy party-list Rep. Jernie Nisay, has been met with skepticism, as opposition groups dismiss it as a 'scripted distraction.'

Progressive groups and former Duterte allies submitted a second and third impeachment complaint to the House Office of the Secretary General on Thursday. However, these were not accepted due to the unavailability of Secretary Cheloy Garafil. Defensor, a complainant in the third case, accused Marcos of influencing Garafil's office to refuse acceptance of the complaints and claimed the administration avoids addressing public grievances.

Castro reiterated that President Marcos had no involvement in the impeachment complaint, highlighting that De Jesus had already confessed to being a counsel for the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, chaired by former President Rodrigo Duterte. Castro further distanced the administration from the controversy, stating, "We have nothing to do with their bickering."

Additionally, Castro expressed concerns on Tuesday that the impeachment complaint could potentially harm the Philippine economy by affecting investors' confidence in President Marcos.