The Philippine government expressed its hopes on Tuesday for an equitable impeachment trial for Vice President Sara Duterte, amid public apprehension about recent shifts in the Senate leadership. The matter has now progressed to the Senate, with Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasizing that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will remain uninvolved in the proceedings.
During a press briefing, Castro underscored the importance of impartiality, stating, “Hopefully, if this goes to the Senate, our senators will be fair judges, because this is for the people.” Her comments come in the wake of the House of Representatives moving forward with the impeachment case, shifting the focus to the Senate’s next steps.
Castro clarified that the actions taken by the House of Representatives were part of their responsibilities and not within the purview of the President. She reiterated, “So, the House of Representatives has spoken and it is their job and it is not part of the mandate of the President.”
This development has captured the attention of the public, as concerns grow about how recent changes in Senate leadership might influence the trial’s fairness. The President’s decision to refrain from intervening underscores the administration’s stance on allowing legislative processes to unfold independently.
