Malacañang described Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent remark about wanting a “bloodbath” in her possible impeachment trial as “somewhat violent,” expressing hope that the comment was not to be taken literally.
“The response of our Vice President was somewhat violent. We hope it’s just a figure of speech,” said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro during a press briefing on Monday.
Duterte made the comment over the weekend while addressing mounting political tensions surrounding calls for her impeachment. Her statement has since drawn scrutiny with critics calling it inflammatory.
When asked how the Palace interprets Duterte’s remark, Castro said it should be taken in the context of political discourse, noting that intense debate is expected if impeachment proceedings move forward.
“If that is what she wants and there will really be a debate when there is a trial, let’s just let it proceed,” she said, indicating that the Palace would allow the legal process to take its course.
When asked whose “blood” the Palace believes should be spilled — a direct reference to Duterte’s use of the term — Castro declined to engage.
“The President will not interfere in that kind of issue,” she said.
Duterte, who has recently clashed with lawmakers over the use of confidential funds, faces growing calls for accountability. Although no formal complaint has been filed, some members of the House of Representatives have raised the possibility of initiating impeachment proceedings.
Duterte, speaking to media over the weekend, defended the need for a trial, saying the public should not prejudge the outcome.
“I don’t know how the senators will vote. If at all, there will be a trial, I think it is wrong to start counting votes now because they haven’t seen the evidence yet. They haven’t seen what the prosecutors have. They haven’t seen what our defense is,” she said.
“So, it seems wrong to count votes without a trial. But the public is doing it. As for me, I’ll accept whatever happens, whatever the ending of the impeachment will be,” she added.
The Vice President also confirmed that her legal team is actively preparing for the proceedings and reaffirmed her desire for the trial to happen.
“As lawyers, we know how lawyers operate. They have many ways in the law as a legal recourse for their clients. But I already told them, really, I truly want a trial because I really want a bloodbath,” she said.