A House leader dismissed as “pure chismis” claims that the administration is preparing to push Charter change and term extensions should the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte fail to secure enough votes in the Senate.
The denial came after Sen. Imee Marcos, in a radio interview, raised the possibility that moves to amend the Constitution could follow if the Senate impeachment trial does not result in a conviction.
The senator also mentioned an alleged plan to extend by three years the terms of incumbent members of Congress and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“This is pure chismis. There is absolutely no truth to these claims. Public officials should be responsible with their statements because these kinds of rumors only confuse and mislead the public,” House Deputy Speaker and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin said.
The Iloilo lawmaker said no such proposal is being discussed in the House of Representatives, warning that unsupported claims could distort public understanding of the impeachment process and fuel unnecessary political tension.
“This is clearly a way of deflecting the issue and pointing at the administration. It twists people’s minds to make it appear that there is a hidden agenda because they know the public strongly rejects any no-election scenario,” she said.
She stressed that the impeachment proceedings against Duterte are already governed by the Constitution and should not be mixed with claims of term extensions or a no-election scenario.
“The impeachment process is already provided for under the Constitution. We should not poison public discourse with imaginary scenarios and conspiracy theories meant to create fear and division,” she said.
The House of Representatives recently transmitted the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte to the Senate, which has since convened as an impeachment court. The case has become one of the central political issues in the country.
The House official said political leaders should allow the constitutional process to move forward instead of spreading allegations without basis.
“At a time when emotions are already high, leaders should be more careful and responsible with their words. The Filipino people deserve facts and honesty, not fear-driven narratives designed to inflame tensions,” she said.
“Public discourse should be anchored on truth, accountability and responsibility, not speculation meant to mislead the public or score political points,” Garin added.