Malacañang has distanced itself anew from the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte as the House of Representatives gears up for the impeachment trial by tapping seasoned private lawyers.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro reiterated that the Palace has no responsibility over the impeachment trial preparation.
"Actually sabi po natin wala po tayong responsibilidad kung ano ang mangyayari sa hearing, sa impeachment trial (Actually, we said we have no responsibility over what will happen at the hearing, impeachment trial)," Castro said.
"So kung yun po ang ninanais ng mga seasoned lawyer at sila ay naniniwala na mayroon po talagang grounds para po ma-convict ang ating bise presidente, nasa kanila na po yun. Sila na po ang kailangan na magpatunay niyan (So, if that's what the seasoned lawyers want and they believe that there is grounds to convict the vice president, it's up to them. They should be the ones proving that)," she added.
According to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, the legal team handling the impeachment case is "composed of seasoned professionals who are committed to ensure that due process is followed."
Velasco also defended the role of volunteer lawyers, and dismissed claims that their participation is driven by personal grievances.