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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Sara as a witness in own impeachment? Palace says she should be

VP Sara as a witness in own impeachment? Palace says she should be

Published Jun 16, 2026 08:44 pm
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro and Vice President Sara Duterte
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro and Vice President Sara Duterte
It would only be "proper" for Vice President Sara Duterte to testify at her own Senate impeachment trial as it presents an opportunity to clear her name, Malacañang said.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Vice President is in the best position to provide answers and explanations regarding the allegations against her.
"Nararapat lamang po dahil kung siya po ang siyang inuusig sa mga ganitong klaseng impeachment trial, nararapat lamang na siya ang magsalita at magpaliwanag (That is only proper because if she is the one being subjected to this kind of impeachment trial, then it is only right that she be the one to speak and explain)," Castro said in a briefing on Tuesday, June 16.
"At siya mismo ang makapagbibigay ng kanyang tamang tugon para maipaliwanag niya at malinis niya ang kanyang pangalan (She herself is in the best position to provide an appropriate response, explain her side, and clear her name)," Castro added.
The Palace spokesperson was sought for a reaction amid anticipation over whether Duterte would be tapped by her defense team as a witness.

Senators' count shouldn't be a concern at present

Amid the ongoing Senate situation, where its leadership continues to be disputed and some senators face charges, Castro said the number of Senators who would be able to serve as judges in Duterte's impeachment trial is not something to be concerned about at the moment.
"Sa ngayon po ay hindi po siguro natin to dapat na problemahin dahil meron pa pong 22 senators na active at nandiyan at uma-attend naman sa kanilang mga session (At this point, this is probably not something we should be overly concerned about, because there are still 22 active senators who are present and attending their sessions)," Castro said.
She, however, called on the Senators to attend when it matters.
"Sana lahat sila ay um-attend sa mga tamang pagkakataon at sa tamang oras (We hope that all of them will attend when necessary and at the proper time)," the Palace official said.

Related Tags

Vice President Sara Duterte IMPEACHMENT impeachment trial Senate Claire Castro
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