MANILA – The Palace on Tuesday called for fairness and proper legal process in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, stressing that Malacañang will not intervene in Senate proceedings.
According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the administration respects the Senate’s autonomy following the installation of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as its new president.
“All decisions and matters within the Senate are for them to decide,” Castro said, responding to questions about the timing of the leadership change alongside the impeachment developments.
She reiterated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would not interfere in the Senate’s handling of the case.
Cayetano took over the Senate presidency on Monday afternoon after Senator Vicente Sotto III was replaced, coinciding with the House of Representatives’ renewed impeachment move against Duterte. The charges include alleged constitutional violations, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and other serious offenses.
Castro noted that the House of Representatives must have relied on evidence when approving the impeachment.
“The House likely saw sufficient evidence to act on the case,” she said.
She also appealed for impartiality once the matter reaches the Senate.
“We hope the senators will be fair when the case is brought before them,” Castro said.
She added that the final course of action now rests entirely with the Senate, with the public expected to judge the outcome.
