Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his visit in Canada. Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Office.
Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. does not need to personally monitor the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as the Senate convened as an impeachment court on Monday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos had more pressing matters to attend to and would still be informed of developments through official updates and news reports.
Castro said the President would not simply set aside his work to watch the impeachment proceedings in real time.
The Senate opened Duterte’s impeachment trial on July 6, with the vice president facing allegations that include corruption, constitutional violations and betrayal of public trust.
Castro also reiterated Marcos’ earlier position that it would be better for Duterte to appear personally before the impeachment court if there were allegations she needed to answer.
She said those seeking to clear their names should face the process and respond directly to the accusations.
The trial is expected to proceed before senator-judges, who will hear the case of the House prosecution panel and Duterte’s defense team.
A conviction would require the vote of at least two-thirds of the Senate and could lead to Duterte’s removal from office and possible perpetual disqualification from holding public office.