MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday said it is staying neutral amid the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, following her remarks that her legal team is “more than confident” of winning the case.
“Kung iyon po iyong estratehiya nila, hayaan po natin,” said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, responding to Duterte’s public statement.
Castro emphasized that Malacañang has no involvement in the ongoing legal proceedings, underscoring the independence of the branches of government in handling the matter.
VP Duterte Asserts Legal Confidence
Vice President Duterte, who recently returned from several weeks in the Netherlands, confirmed that she has already met with her legal team to prepare for the trial. She did not disclose specifics but expressed full confidence in her defense.
“My legal team is more than confident,” Duterte earlier stated, amid mounting scrutiny over the impeachment case.
Impeachment Background and Legal Challenge
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5, with over 200 lawmakers supporting a complaint citing:
Betrayal of public trust
Culpable violation of the Constitution
Graft and corruption
Other high crimes
In response, Duterte filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition with the Supreme Court, including an urgent plea for a temporary restraining order and/or preliminary injunction.
She argued that the House committed grave abuse of discretion by allegedly delaying the first three impeachment complaints and violating the one-year ban by approving a fourth.
Senate Trial to Begin in July
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has indicated that the Senate impeachment trial is expected to begin by the end of July, with a decision possibly reached by October.
The case marks the first impeachment trial of a sitting vice president in recent years, placing a spotlight on legal and constitutional processes in the Philippines’ political landscape.
