By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Thursday said the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte should remain focused on uncovering the truth and not political theatrics, as the proceedings move toward the presentation of evidence related to the alleged misuse of confidential funds.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration expects the Senate impeachment court to avoid distractions and allow the proceedings to determine the facts surrounding the charges.
“Ang inaasahan po natin ay walang drama, walang pagtatago ng katotohanan at walang pag-iwas sa totoong issue na kinakaharap dito sa impeachment trial,” Castro said during a Palace press briefing.
“Gusto lang naman din po ng lahat ng ating kababayan ay lumabas ang katotohanan at hindi ang drama sa loob ng Senado,” she added.
Castro made the statement after the prosecution concluded presenting witnesses for Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment, setting the stage for the next phase of the trial centered on the Vice President’s confidential fund expenditures, a key issue expected to dominate proceedings in the coming days.
The Palace official also dismissed the defense’s argument that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s willingness to reconcile with the Duterte family diminished the gravity of the Vice President’s alleged threats against him.
Castro said the President’s remarks about reconciliation reflected his desire to unite with all Filipinos, regardless of political differences, and had no bearing on the allegations being heard in the impeachment court.
“Hindi nabubura ang pagbabanta sa buhay ng Pangulo, ni First Lady, at ni dating House Speaker ng Bise Presidente,” she said.
Castro likewise challenged Duterte to disclose her financial records if she truly has nothing to hide after the defense opposed requests to access bank, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) documents on constitutional grounds.
“Kung walang kinakatakutan, obligasyon naman niya sa taumbayan ipakita ang katotohanan,” she said.
Castro, however, said no request has so far reached the Office of the President seeking authority to open the Vice President’s sealed BIR records.
