Malacañang on Thursday emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not interfere in the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, reiterating that the matter is now solely in the hands of the Senate.
“The impeachment trial is not in the President’s hands right now,” PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said during a press briefing.
“What happens here is now in the hands of the Senate,” she added.
The statement comes amid growing political tension over the impeachment complaint filed against the Vice President, rooted in questions surrounding the use of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF).
Critics have flagged what they allege to be questionable allocations under Duterte’s office, sparking calls for transparency and accountability.
When asked whether the issue could potentially impact President Marcos, who is also among the top spenders of confidential and intelligence funds, Castro dismissed the concern.
She clarified that the Office of the President has not received any Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM) or notice of disallowance related to the use of such funds.
“Whoever received this and whoever needs to explain it, should explain it first,” Castro said.
Meanwhile, the camp of Vice President Duterte has publicly expressed confidence in her defense, with her legal team saying they are certain she will overcome the charges.
Asked for the Palace’s reaction, Castro declined to comment on the Vice President’s legal strategy.
“If that is their strategy, let us allow it,” she said, reiterating that Malacañang has no hand in the impeachment trial. Charles Dantes