Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will not closely monitor the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, as he remains focused on governing and addressing the country's pressing concerns, Malaca±ang said Monday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the President has more urgent responsibilities than personally following the day-to-day proceedings of the Senate impeachment court.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro stated in a Palace briefing that the President does not need to monitor the trial directly as he will be informed of the developments. Castro added that the President has many important matters to attend to and will not simply sit down to watch the impeachment trial.
The Senate is set to formally convene as an impeachment court on Monday afternoon to begin proceedings against Duterte. The Vice President faces accusations of culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and alleged misuse of more than PHP612 million in confidential funds. Under the Constitution, a conviction requires the votes of at least two-thirds of all senators, which translates to 16 out of 24 members. A conviction would lead to Duterte's removal from office and permanent disqualification from holding public office.
When questioned about the President's thoughts as the impeachment trial against his former running mate began, Castro reiterated the President's longstanding position that public officials facing allegations should address the charges through the proper legal process. Castro stated that if there are allegations to be answered, they should be addressed, and if one's name can be cleared, it should be done. She also mentioned that it is better for Duterte to face the trial and respond to the accusations directly.
Castro further emphasized that the Executive branch would not interfere in discussions within the Senate regarding the required number of votes for conviction. She clarified that the Executive will not interfere in whatever resolution is reached on that issue, leaving it to the Senate to determine the implementation.
In a related matter, Castro addressed the arrest of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on plunder charges, stating that it would not affect the government's obligation to enforce lawful court orders, even as the Senate begins Duterte's impeachment trial. The Palace has continually maintained that the impeachment process is an independent constitutional mechanism and that the Executive branch will respect whatever outcome the Senate reaches.
