Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday stressed the need for fairness and due process in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, while maintaining that the executive would not interfere in matters concerning the Senate. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration respects the legislative's independence following the election of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as the new Senate leader.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized that everything happening in the Senate is within its authority to decide. She assured that President will not interfere in the Senate's decision-making processes. This statement comes after Cayetano assumed the Senate presidency on Monday afternoon following the ouster of Senator Vicente Sotto III, just as the House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte for the second consecutive year.
The impeachment charges include culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and other high crimes. Castro mentioned that the House of Representatives likely based their decision on the evidence and documents presented before them. She expressed hope that the Senate would conduct a fair trial.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) also weighed in, urging the Senate to convene as an impeachment court and start Duterte's trial promptly. CBCP President Archbishop Gilbert Garcera called on senators to avoid any actions that might be perceived as evading their duties or circumventing constitutional requirements. He highlighted the importance of not delaying the trial to ensure justice for both the Filipino people and the Vice President.
Archbishop Garcera also encouraged the Filipino faithful to closely monitor the impeachment trial and fulfill their civic responsibilities by ensuring a fair and credible trial. The House of Representatives' decision to impeach was made with a vote of 257-25, with nine abstentions, accusing the Vice President of several charges, including misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and threatening to assassinate high-profile officials.
