(Manila, 16th) — The impeachment case against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte continues to be heard, with the Presidential Palace calling on the Senate impeachment court to focus on uncovering the truth and avoiding political theatrics, urging the hearings to return to facts and evidence.
Presidential Communications Office spokesperson Claire Castro said on Thursday that the government hopes there will be 'no drama, no concealment of the truth, and no avoidance of the real issues' during the impeachment trial, and that the case should be decided based on evidence.
She noted that what the Filipino people most want to see is the truth fully revealed, rather than the Senate being filled with political performance.
As the prosecution completed presenting witnesses regarding the fourth article of impeachment, the next phase of the case will focus on allegations that Sara Duterte was involved in the misuse of confidential funds, which will also become the highlight of future hearings.
In response to the defense's argument that President Marcos Jr. intends to reconcile with the Duterte family and thus downplays the seriousness of Sara's alleged threats against the president and his family, Castro stated that the president's call for reconciliation is simply to unite the people of the country, and has no relation to the accusations involved in the impeachment case.
She emphasized that the allegations of Sara threatening the president, the first lady, and the former House Speaker will not automatically disappear even if both sides are willing to reconcile.
Regarding the defense's objection—on constitutional grounds—to the disclosure of Sara's bank accounts, tax records, and Anti-Money Laundering Council information, Castro stated that if Sara has a clear conscience, she should proactively make her financial records public to prove her innocence to the people.
However, she revealed that so far, the Presidential Palace has not received any formal application requesting authorization to access Sara's tax records.
She noted that what the Filipino people most want to see is the truth fully revealed, rather than the Senate being filled with political performance.
As the prosecution completed presenting witnesses regarding the fourth article of impeachment, the next phase of the case will focus on allegations that Sara Duterte was involved in the misuse of confidential funds, which will also become the highlight of future hearings.
In response to the defense's argument that President Marcos Jr. intends to reconcile with the Duterte family and thus downplays the seriousness of Sara's alleged threats against the president and his family, Castro stated that the president's call for reconciliation is simply to unite the people of the country, and has no relation to the accusations involved in the impeachment case.
She emphasized that the allegations of Sara threatening the president, the first lady, and the former House Speaker will not automatically disappear even if both sides are willing to reconcile.
Regarding the defense's objection—on constitutional grounds—to the disclosure of Sara's bank accounts, tax records, and Anti-Money Laundering Council information, Castro stated that if Sara has a clear conscience, she should proactively make her financial records public to prove her innocence to the people.
However, she revealed that so far, the Presidential Palace has not received any formal application requesting authorization to access Sara's tax records.