Malacañang disagreed with Vice President Sara Duterte's call to prosecution to prove an impeachable offense against her with evidence and not insults, speculation, or political theatrics.

On Tuesday's impeachment trial, evidence was presented showing that the Vice President was aware of everything—from the withdrawal of the funds, to the spending, and even the submission of reports, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

Castro contradicted Duterte's statement, saying evidence were indeed presented during the trial and those are not merely ad hominem statements.

"Kahapon ay mas lalong naipakita ang ibang ebidensiya kung saan ang Bise Presidente ang siyang may alam mula sa pagwi-withdraw ng pera, mula—hanggang sa paggastos, hanggang sa pagbibigay ng report. So, lahat ng activities patungkol dito sa confidential funds ay inamin mismo ng kaniyang tauhan, sa katauhan po ni Mr. Limuel Ortonio, na lahat ng ito ay alam ng Bise Presidente (Yesterday, further evidence was presented showing that the Vice President was aware of everything—from the withdrawal of the funds, to the spending, and even the submission of reports. So, all activities related to the confidential funds were acknowledged by her staff member, Mr. Limuel Ortonio, who said that the Vice President was aware of all of these)," Castro said in a Palace briefing on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

"So, ito naman po ay nagpapakita ng ebidensiya, hindi lang mga ad hominem na mga pananalita (This shows that there is evidence being presented, not merely ad hominem statements)," Castro added.

Castro also criticized Duterte, saying that if the Vice President does not want to hear ad hominem remarks, she must set the example.

"So, mas maganda rin po na kung ayaw makarinig ng ad hominem, mag-start din po sa mga taong nagsasalita ng masasamang words o mga masasamang mga pag-describe sa kapwa tao. Siguro dapat magsimula kay Bise Presidente na maging magalang din sa pananalita para hindi rin naibabalik sa kanya (It would also be better that if one does not want to hear ad hominem remarks, one should start by refraining from using hurtful words or making derogatory descriptions of other people. Perhaps it should start with the Vice President herself by being respectful in her statements, so that such remarks are not thrown back at her)," Castro said.

"Pero, ang Palasyo at ang Pangulo, hindi po tino-tolerate ang mga salitang mapanira at mga ad hominem (The Palace and the President do not tolerate defamatory or ad hominem statements)," she added.

The Palace spokesperson also advised the Vice President to study the allegations against her, such as the disbursement of cash or cash advances for obligations incurred before the confidential funds were received or withdrawn, which are against the rules.

"So siguro mas maganda sa ating Bise Presidente na aralin niya po lahat para hindi bumalik sa kanya iyong mga ibinibintang niya sa administrasyon, kasi mas mainam na mas malinis po niya at mapatunayan na ang kanyang opisina ay walang ginawang anumang anomalya (So perhaps it would be better for the Vice President to study all of these matters carefully, so that the accusations she is making against the administration do not come back to her. It would be better for her to ensure that her office is above reproach and to prove that it did not commit any irregularities)," Castro said.

Castro made the remarks when sought for comment after Duterte accused the administration and its allies of prioritizing the impeachment proceedings, the proposed 2027 national budget, and efforts she alleged were aimed at changing the Constitution to remain in power.